I see you...

What does it mean to truly see someone?

The statement, I see you, is one that I never actually knew the full meaning of until recently.

This simple statement has so much behind it. Obviously, it doesn't just pertain to visually seeing the person in front of you, although that can definitely be a part of it. However, it means that you see more than just the physical person in front of you.

This statement means that you see everything about the other person and are experiencing their energy, their divine spirit, and their essence... that you see their inner-self and not the persona or mask that they are presenting. Seeing right through the mask and witnessing everything about the person that you care for is not only an incredible feeling to have, but to be seen in the same way is deep and powerful.

This simple statement carries great significance. I have come to realize how important and meaningful it is to see someone and be truly seen. Not many people in my life could actually say that they see me, the real me. It took someone that could see the hurt child, the wounded man, the loving and caring being that I am and ignore the persona and the bullshit that came with it. It took a person that could see my true intentions beyond the fears and doubts that came from my shadow.

Here are just a few ways to explain what this simple but profound phrase means to me:

I see how you are showing up.

I see you through the mask that you sometimes wear.

I see how you carry yourself and why.

I see your intentions.

I see the real you.

I see the glow the radiates from within you.

I see what excites you.

I see the pain you may be going through.

I see your side and can put myself in your shoes.

I see that you are holding space for me.

I see your desires and dreams.

I see your fears.

I see your divine spirit.

I see the beautiful person that you are.

It is all encompassing; you truly see everything about that person.

Holding space for someone to feel their feelings, supporting them in any way they need, being present to the moment and appreciating their needs and their actions, allows you to see them fully. If they don't feel safe to be authentic, then you will have a difficult time really seeing them.

I have even taken to looking inward while thinking about this phrase. Staring in the mirror, looking deep into myself and seeing every bit of me has been a great exercise in understanding how I am feeling and why, acknowledging my feelings, and accepting that they are a part of me, so that I can then let those feelings go or nurture them.

When I practice this in the mirror or during meditation, I see things in myself of which I was previously unaware. It is a way of increasing your awareness and working on your inner-self.

I have been trying to write the next part without sounding horribly sappy and every time I proofread it, I end up deleting it all. I have been told that I can sometimes be a little “gooey” with my feelings, not in a bad way, but I didn’t want to expose that side of me to the world. Then I thought about it, I am proud of who I am, I accept that I can be romantically gooey, and I am no longer one to hide those parts of myself. So…. Here it goes.

The other meaning to this phrase is very literal, but also very meaningful to me. There is only one person that I see when I close my eyes, when I picture the future, when I think about snuggling at night, making love, walking in the rain, riding with me on the Harley, campin', fishin', lovin' every day, dancing (lots of dancing), experiencing and sharing in all that life has to offer. In all of that, I see you. It is my picture-perfect view.

If you have someone in your life and they are all you can see when you think about life, tell them, show up for them in every sense, be vulnerable with them, be real with them, hold them close and love them deeply. See them and allow them to see you, it can be a beautiful way to live.