making eye contact
On October 15th, I participated in the eye contact experiment in downtown Montreal. An event being held over all over the world with the simple intention of making a connection. There weren't many instructions, other than a basic sign stating, "where has the human connection gone, sit with another for a minute and make eye contact". I kind of knew the drill as I had practiced this once or twice in past Yoga training and workshops, but for me, I welcome any opportunity to connect with another human even if it’s brief. The timing was pretty perfect as well, as I'm only a week away from launching my retreats on this very same intention "Observing"
I find the most basic ideas these days are getting lost in our everyday life. The thought of just making a real-time connection or taking time out to observe what is going on around you or even what's going on with yourself doesn't seem to be happening nor matter anymore. With the pace of the modern world quickening at an increased rate and more technology being introduced, we are getting more and more saturated, lost. and detached from our own reality. Most of us are constantly in our heads, either living in the past or thinking about the future. Giving us no real-time to slow down to catch our breath and be in the moment.
Yes, technology has gotten so good at giving us instant connections but are people truly checking in, or just going through the motions. Obviously, I'm not a saint, I used it as well. As I write this blog, I'm using social media to reach out and connect to you. The truth is, it always comes down to finding a balance. Knowing when to use it as a tool and when to put it in check and step away to connect with the REAL life, happening directly right in front of you.
I stayed at the event for about a hour or so, becoming a bit addicted to meeting the next human. Each connection being different from the other. The expressions, the energies of each person changing with the next. Some were very vulnerable to this idea of being still with a stranger. Some were fearless and calm and you felt completely comfortable and at ease in their presence. Others felt the need to fill the dead air with conversations or stories about themselves. There were smiles, tears, laughter, and basic full on stare-downs where you felt you arrived into another vortex all together. One that stood out was a girl named Jennifer who came with her insanely cute puppy named King tut, who took a liking to me, enough to fall asleep on my lap in one minute. She decided to leave King tut with me for the next few minutes as I continued to connect with others and she explored. So there I was, one hand on the puppy, petting its utterly soft fur, and gazing deep into the eyes of another human. Stimulating at least a few senses all at once and doing the research for exactly the subject of my upcoming retreats. Couldn't have asked for a better night.
One of the biggest things I liked about this event is the idea that finding mindfulness can happen everywhere and anywhere at any given moment. It doesn't just go down in the zen-like yoga studios or a budhist temples but just outside your doorstep in your very own Urban setting. People like yourself are seeking it out and are willing to make those connections.
Next week On Oct 24th, I’m holding the launch of my Retreats in Montreal, Quebec. It's the start of my new adventure where I'm connecting my passions for the community, the Arts, the healing aspects of Yoga, the nourishing qualities of good food and drink to bring you on an adventure of your senses. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and who I meet along the way. For more information on the launch or the upcoming retreats around the world,...visit the home page Le Flaneur Retreats