We often ask “What do you do?” within the first few minutes of meeting someone. As if their answer can encapsulate the entirety of that person’s being. In modern industrialized society, it can be easy to reduce a person to their job title or the work they do. We’re productivity based in terms of how we think of humans.
But there is so much more.
The capacity to see this can be called Deep Seeing.
As we know from our practice, the human experience is far more expansive than work. Each of us carries a unique blend of life experiences, wisdom, and talents, which aren’t always visible on the surface. These are the gifts we bring into the world, and they can only be discovered when we look deeper, beyond roles and labels.
Buddhist teachings remind us that each being is a manifestation of the same infinite potential – and I would suggest that we each have our own unique way of manifesting that.
To see and appreciate these gifts, we have to practice the art of seeing with fresh eyes, free from preconceived notions or judgments. Free from giving a shit about what someone else does.
Deep seeing.
So when we encounter someone, whether they’re a teacher, doctor, farmer, or someone without a formal occupation, we can ask ourselves, “What are the deeper gifts this person brings? What qualities do they embody that enrich the world? What is it like to have *their* heart”
The answers to these questions – their life experiences that teach about grief and loss, their capacity for deep listening, their kindness, or maybe their ability to bring joy to those around them – are treasures that often go unnoticed if we focus solely on what someone does, rather than who they are.
This is an example of the Buddhist practice of yoniso manasikara – wise attention. Wise attention invites us to see beyond the surface, to be curious about their inner world. It’s more than an intellectual curiosity. It’s a compassionate interest in the complexity and fullness of another’s being – and of the world.
We can practice this deep seeing in our daily lives. When we meet others, we can resist asking, “What do you do?” and instead pause and reflect upon what gifts might this person carry that we have yet to notice. What wisdom do they embody that could teach me something new?
This practice of curiosity can really transform our relationships, allowing us to connect more authentically and deeply with those around us – and it makes social interactions a helluva lot more interesting, in my opinion;)
Choosing to see others deeply also helps us embrace the fullness of our own being, recognize our own gifts, and acknowledge the different ways we contribute to the world.
Deep seeing requires us to be fully present with what’s in front of us, to see with eyes unclouded by expectation, desire, or aversion. It’s about moving beyond those surface judgments, tuning into their deeper qualities, intentions, and inner light that guides them.
One way we can begin to practice this mindful observation is to take a moment to ground ourselves when we’re interacting with someone.
We can notice our breath and feet on the ground, and let our mind settle. Then, as we continue to engage with that person, make a conscious effort to set aside any preconceived notions or judgments, choosing to observe them as if we are meeting them for the first time.
Instead of asking “What do you do?” we can silently ask ourselves questions like, “What is this person’s deeper story? What do they value? What qualities might they possess that I haven’t noticed before?”
What is it like to have their heart?
And of course, we can practice deeply seeing ourselves.
When we find ourselves caught up in self-criticism or overly identifying with our roles or profession, take a moment to pause and ask, “What are the gifts I bring to the world beyond what I do? How can I see myself with the same compassionate eyes I use with others?”
This self-compassion is essential for sustaining our practice of deep seeing with others.
Remember, as with any practice, deep seeing is a practice that grows over time as we continue to engage with it. It’s also a practice of love, of seeing the world with eyes of compassion.
In this way, we cultivate a deeper connection with others and with ourselves, honoring the divine gifts that flow through us all.
You will learn:
// Why we often reduce others’ identities (and our own) to what we DO, and how we can dive deeper in every interactions
//How Deep Seeing makes life way more interesting on the daily (and I’m all about not being bored more than necessary;)
// How we can shift our focus from what people DO to who they ARE and their lived experience
// How deep seeing can transform our relationship with others and ourselves – and our communities
// Ways we can practice deep seeing and wise attention in our daily lives – starting today.
Resources:
// Episode 71: How to Find Your Purpose
// Episode 134: What You’re Meant to BE
// Episode 178: The GIft of Wandering – Exploring Our Purpose
// If you want to dive more deeply into this practice and all the juicy goodness for a life of inner and outer freedom that it offers, some join me in my NEWEST program, called No Regrets.
Get on the waitlist at adventuremastermind.com, and if you get your name on that, you’ll be the first to know when early registration opens later this month, with special early bird rates, extra bonuses, and first dibs on the limited-capacity in-person retreat at our epic phat pad on the Big Island of Hawaii…and more.
// If you want to dive deeper into this Soul-level work and create a life of more freedom, adventure, and purpose, head over to JoinFreedomSchool.com. It’s got everything you need in one place to build a foundation for a lifetime of self-exploration and freedom.
// If you’re new to the squad, grab the Rebel Buddhist Toolkit I created at RebelBuddhist.com. It has all you need to start creating a life of more freedom, adventure, and purpose. You’ll also get access to the Rebel Buddhist private group, and tune in every Wednesday as I go live with new inspiration and topics.
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