They say the eyes are the window to the soul.
An adoring new parent gazes lovingly at their brand new baby. Two people newly in love reflect trust, hope, fear, anticipation and adoration. Then disappointment, hurt, disinterest, disillusionment, indifference may seep in, as that love goes awry. Within friendships, we sense interest, encouragement, support and all that friendship will endure. We look into the eyes of our furry friends, their body language and all that is spoken without uttering a word. Then there is the gift of looking into the eyes of a family member and seeing the reflection of a person you lost years ago.
There is so much that is spoken and heard when you look into a person's eyes. When I think of the relationships within my life that have flourished and those I lost, I remember the eye contact. I can feel the wordless communication that spoke louder than the loudest shouting match or the quietness of knowing another person cared, without a word being spoken.
In almost every case (when it came to matters of the heart), I can recall their eyes told the story before the words came.
When I was madly in love, I remember when that emotion was reflected back to me. When I saw and appreciated the person for who they were, I saw their appreciation reflected back to me. When and how does the hurting begin? Was there a time when I misread his eyes? When I thought I saw something that wasn't there? When he looked back into mine, did he see my hurt reflected back to him?
My youngest son has often wondered aloud why animals can't speak to us. It made me reflect on the ease with which a person can lavish attention and love on our beloved pets when it is often not in our nature to act so outwardly loving to our human companions. Our pets communicate pure and utter trust and love back towards us. It is akin to the look of a young child, who will gaze into your eyes with purely unconditional love. They love the world and the world loves them back.
When I look back at the reflections I have seen in the eyes of those who have touched my life, I know when I see the best in a person that is what is usually reflected back to me.
When a person is talking to you, listen to what they are saying with their eyes.
