How do you define "Seeing"?

[Human No More]

Some things never change

[Neytiri.]

I Think seeing is only truly seeing if your looking at someone for who they are on the inside, Past all the walls they put up, I think it means seeing someone from the inside out. past race, past whether there gay, strait, White, Black, Neon green, or inside out.

[Sempu]

Originally Posted by Neytiri.

I Think seeing is only truly seeing if your looking at someone for who they are on the inside, Past all the walls they put up, I think it means seeing someone from the inside out. past race, past whether there gay, strait, White, Black, Neon green, or inside out.

Yes. And one can only see to the extent that one's own vision is unclouded. For this kind of seeing, the equivalent of cataracts are our prejudices, filters, preconceptions, and limiting beliefs. No one will ever eliminate those totally (even someone who comes close, like the Dalai Lama, would be the first to admit they had plenty left), but we can become more and more aware of them and diminish their hold on us.

For instance, me, I still struggle with the lifelong filter that says people are basically bad until proven otherwise. It gets in my way. I get a payoff from it, of course - I get to feel superior - but it diminishes my quality of life and my ability to contribute. People I know who see through a lens of finding friends everywhere have easier lives. I am familiar enough with the filter that I can consciously set it aside - certainly in a professional context, where my job is to establish rapport and hold people to the highest standard of capability - but it still takes an effort in more casual surroundings. This is something I work on a lot.

[Sempu]

I finally got around to reading something about General Semantics (talk about a mental approach to enlightenment... but Robert Heinlein was a big fan of it, that's good enough for me). I was looking through one of their society's newsletters and it mentioned a school GS "debate" practice called "grokdueling" - two teams compete to see who demonstrates the best understanding of the other's opposing position. I don't know how it's judged but presumably it can't be any less objective than evaluating more conventional debates.

Interesting idea, no? That's tickled my brain cells for the day. 'Seeing" may not be just "understanding" but that's a big part of it.

I'm also reminded of something a good manager (there aren'y many) said in a team meeting once when there had been some friction between members. "Take a look around the room. You may not like everyone here, and you don't have to; but these are the people that are going to help you get your job done, so you need to find a way to work together and support each other."

Imagine how the world could be if we lived that principle on a global scale. That's the vision of a peacemaker.

[Icu]

So, pretty much, everyone defines seeing here as being able to look "inside" a person at who they really are, apart from everything else (even species :p)

I just want to point out that this has existed for a looooooong time already, but it's great that Avatar is calling people's attention to it.

[Neytiri.]

Originally Posted by icu

So, pretty much, everyone defines seeing here as being able to look "inside" a person at who they really are, apart from everything else (even species :p)

I just want to point out that this has existed for a looooooong time already, but it's great that Avatar is calling people's attention to it.

Yeah, its sad that its taken this long for us to realize this. I think Avatar has greatly influenced the person i am today. I always try to look past someones shield and get the who they really are, I dono i guess i just have a lot more love to give now

[Sempu]

Originally Posted by Neytiri.

Yeah, its sad that its taken this long for us to realize this. I think Avatar has greatly influenced the person i am today. I always try to look past someones shield and get the who they really are, I dono i guess i just have a lot more love to give now

That's wonderful. Where did it come from? (I'm not trying to be flippant or obtuse, I really want to know more detail.)

[Neytiri.]

Originally Posted by Sempu

That's wonderful. Where did it come from? (I'm not trying to be flippant or obtuse, I really want to know more detail.)

I'm not sure were it came from, I guess partially talking with everyone on these forums and experiencing how loving and caring they are. It just made me a better person, I want to make people happy i guess, I always tend to try and talk to the odd person out, or make the sad smile. I guess i just saw the type of life the Na'vi were living and realize why be the way many are? We can live just like them, They are so caring and beautiful, it just made me want to be just like them, and I try my best to help others through anything so that can experience what I saw and what I have been feeling since i first joined these forums. I guess I'm just a happier person thanks to avatar and all the amazing people on these forums <3

I hope that makes sense :p

[Sempu]

Originally Posted by Neytiri.

I'm not sure were it came from, I guess partially talking with everyone on these forums and experiencing how loving and caring they are. It just made me a better person, I want to make people happy i guess, I always tend to try and talk to the odd person out, or make the sad smile. I guess i just saw the type of life the Na'vi were living and realize why be the way many are? We can live just like them, They are so caring and beautiful, it just made me want to be just like them, and I try my best to help others through anything so that can experience what I saw and what I have been feeling since i first joined these forums. I guess I'm just a happier person thanks to avatar and all the amazing people on these forums <3

I hope that makes sense :p

It makes sense and it's wonderful. Your spirit shines through your words. Thank you for making my day brighter.

[Empty Glass]

Originally Posted by icu

So, pretty much, everyone defines seeing here as being able to look "inside" a person at who they really are, apart from everything else (even species :p)

I just want to point out that this has existed for a looooooong time already, but it's great that Avatar is calling people's attention to it.

If I had to define it in five seconds that's what I would say, but it feels like there ought to be more to that.

But if that's really what it is, and if/since this has already existed for a long time already...well, you're right it is great; why not remind the world about it again. It's not something that should be forgotten.

[Raiden]

Hmmm

I would say two things could be used to define it.

One is interpersonal; seeing the feelings and thoughts of other people without any prior knowledge or asking them questions.

The other is seeing the world around you. The natural world. Looking at a swamp/marsh and seeing a vibrant ecosystem full of interesting inhabitants instead of a mosqiuto-infested mire. Getting away from human society for a week and camping out in the wilderness and honestly appreciating what nature will show you if you open your eyes.

The first one is easy, as it is based on facial expressions, and verbal and physical cues. The other one is much more difficult, and requires the correct settings and attitude.

Those are my opinions.

[electrosphere11]

This site is testament to how we are able to understand one another and show such compassion. It shows just how much more seeing is than mere visual perception.
Everyday I come on hear I am thankful to have been able to meet people like you, even if it hasn't been in person.

[Neytiri.]

Originally Posted by electrosphere11

This site is testament to how we are able to understand one another and show such compassion. It shows just how much more seeing is than mere visual perception.
Everyday I come on hear I am thankful to have been able to meet people like you, even if it hasn't been in person.

I feel the same way, I feel blessed to have been able to meet everyone on here, this place is so full of happiness and joy, I love it! along with everyone I've met, I'm so happy just being able to hang out with everyone <3