The Presence of One Other

"My heart stopped.  It just stopped beating.  And for the first time in my life, I had that feeling.  You know, like the world is moving all around you, all beneath you, all inside you, and you're floating.  Floating in midair.  And the only thing keeping you from drifting away is the other person's eyes.  They're connected to yours by some invisible force, and they hold you fast while the rest of the world swirls and twirls and falls completely away."   Wendelin Van Draanen

When we do not develop the skill to discreetly look into strangers eyes, we miss the magical connections that can transpire.  On a crowded bus, zigzag train, or jammed airport, our eyes can easily float into the depths of a person's eyes.  All of our senses seem to kick in, and through no conversation a world of information transpires.  The shared information is not of a worldly nature, more of an unworldly place.  Rather than hear, we are impacted by feelings and emotions.  They may be of joy or sorrow, but the silent exchange will be imprinted forever.

As time passes, we may wonder to ourselves who that person was and what ever happened to them.  We may question ourselves, "What would have happened if I had introduced myself?"  I do not believe these moments were intended for proper introductions for relationship.  It is a magical time when two people separate the veil between us and see into each other's emotional makeup.  It is not for judgement or criticism or even fear.  It is a moment for compassion, acceptance, and witnessing even for a moment the presence of one other.