Lately, I have been noticing how much I rely on and draw value from eye contact.  Maybe due to my weak hearing I tend to evaluate my conversations by observing others’ body language, specifically eye contact and supporting facial reactions.  I am surprised to find that I can accumulate a range of feelings simply from looking at these small features; I can be made to feel entirely stupid, worthless, and a time wasted, or I can feel encouraged, wise, and joyful to share my thoughts.  I guess this can support the old phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  The manner in which I maintain eye contact matters and can convey much more than the words I am speaking.  It makes me wonder how my message would be perceived if only my eyes were seen and my words were heard.

Before my mind over-evaluates this communication feature, I pause to promise myself to be mindful to the conversation my eyes and other facial features are having with someone instead of only that of my words.  I know according to Eleanor Roosevelt that I can only make someone feel inferior or poorly if he/she allows me that crude act.  However, I never want to put someone in a position to be made to feel negatively by my actions, both in words and other supporting communication.  So, in the words of John Sinclair, “The eyes of Texas are upon you,” and will, to the most often and to the best of their ability, be encouraging others to reach their great potential.