being seen (p.8)
“The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of.”
-Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci’a, “Mona Lisa”
The Mona Lisa, la Gioconda, is one of the most recognized paintings.
It is quite possible to say, she is the most seen person in the world.
Madame Lisa Giocondo was a merchant’s wife and a mom of 5. I imagine she had a desire to be seen in some way in her daily life, like all of us.
Being seen. I feel this is a universal desire. The amount one needs might vary from person to person, but I feel we all seek this one thing.
It’s that moment when you realize someone is really listening to you, or when you worked really hard on something and the other recognizes your effort, or when you share something personal and the other truly feels your story, or a stranger that gifts you with an unexpected compliment.
How we are seen can play out in so many different ways. And I think each person has their own definition and their own unique need for it.
We all know what it feels like. It’s one we rarely forget.
It’s a beautiful gift.
This made me think. Why not become more of the see-er? The one who sees so the other can be seen.
Yes.
Let me be the one to really listen, to recognize other’s work, sit with someone’s story or share a compliment. Let me study the see-er so I can give the very thing I wish to receive.
Leonardo da Vinci didn’t just paint a merchant’s wife, he captured her essence. With her mesmerizing gaze and her faint smile, she has the world flocking to her.
Leonardo’s gift of painting was equally matched by his ability to see.
May we all see and be seen.
Have a beautiful week. ❤️
