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The Limp in My Eye May Cause the Lion to Attack
How
we gaze at others in circumstances to confront, diffuse or avoid a
potentially dangerous situation is key to our survival. After many years
helping the homeless, living through the race riots of the 1960s,
serving in the army, working for Loomis Armor and then as a corrections
officer at Riker's Island, my advice is "Do NOT ignore that there is a
situation that can potentially exist." Some will say do not stare or
make eye contact with someone who may be belligerent. And if something
does occur we will of course want to confront it head on. But we must
look and acknowledge the person is there in the first place, and have
them acknowledge you are aware of their presence. Then and only then
continue to look wherever you may. Is this not what one would do with
someone who is hurt, lonely, or in need of assistance? The belligerent
person, the bully, the abuser, they too have all the qualities of those
who need our help. Only (perhaps) needed through a different form of
assistance.
About 20 years ago while my wife and I were walking
down a deserted street late at night a large, growling dog came menacing
towards us. You could tell this dog meant business. He was showing his
teeth, his head was down a bit down, eyes glaring as he came towards us.
I told my wife, "Watch, he will soon cross the street." Within a minute
his demeanor changed. He looked at us with no aggression and did in fact
cross the street away from us. I had not moved my arms or made any
physical gestures. But with my eyes I told the dog a story through
visual thoughts. In my mind/heart I ran towards him, grabbed his neck,
and lifted him from the ground as I stuck both my thumbs through his
throat. I slammed him down and I, a vegetarian, proceeded to eat him
alive. This story was told through my eyes to the dog in a matter of
seconds. He may not have perceived every gory detail, but he did
perceive the Spirit I pulled from the gut of my being. The eyes tell
stories we must at times tell others so as to avoid them making a
mistake they will regret from that instant onward. That sentient being
needed our help of non-violence that night, and I am sure he learned and
taught us as well.
The eyes are those avenues whereby the fires
of our gut and the meakened mildness of our being are shared with the
world. Do not deprive them of yourself by ignoring them with your gaze.
At times we need to absolutely look at a person, situation or scenario
with intent. We must not ignore those who need to have us share all
aspects of our being with them. Otherwise we may become a victim as when
a lion looks at a herd to determine the weakest and then attack. Be sure
to have the strength of your being shown. If not, the limp in your eye
may cause the lion to attack.
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