Days 357-358 – The Art of Seeing – A Guest Column

The Art of Seeing – a Reflection by Maria Doglio

“To me the art of seeing is coming into an understanding of the whole of what’s occurring.”

–Jane Rosen, Artist

As an artist, I understand what Jane Rosen means in this quote from an interview with the artist. This also served as a personal “aha” moment as it summed up my continuing journey towards self-discovery. To continue this journey I have to practice the art of seeing within for greater understanding of “the whole of what’s occurring.”

What if we took the “art of seeing” and applied it to all aspects of our lives? How would this change our world?

The art of seeing goes beyond using our physical eyes. It encompasses how we feel, our intuition, our experiences, our personality, and our judgments. I notice that the more I understand the whole – body, mind and spirit – the better I understand myself, others and the world. As I embrace a new way of seeing, I encounter the world in a new and more sacred way.

There are as many aspects of “seeing” as there are people. The influences of parents, teachers, and life events all color what we perceive and understand. Perhaps, we too often judge what we see as negative or positive before understanding the whole.

The art of seeing unconditionally falls into the realm beyond positive and negative judgment where unconditional love lies. Practicing the art of seeing depends on our understanding of the whole of life on a much deeper level. It leads us to a better sense of who we really are as we travel our earthly journey.

If we continue shifting the way we see, our understanding of the whole grows in every aspect of our worldly life. When we embrace the art of seeing, the art of unconditional love follows naturally and enables the flow in Loving Care.

It takes conscious practice. Just like art.

-Maria Doglio

Note: The above painting is by the artist, Maria Doglio

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Categories: Reflections, Holidays, Spirituality

Tags: Art of Seeing, caregivers, Jane Rosen, Journal, Maria Doglio

6 responses to “Days 357-358 – The Art of Seeing – A Guest Column”

candace nagle

December 8, 2011 at 8:52 am

What a beautiful mandala your painting presents. It is a nice image to contemplate. The art of seeing is something I have been growing more aware of but hadn’t put language to yet. For me this involves shifting my sight away from my fears and egocentric concerns, and focusing on compassion. If I am focused on my fears, angers, and such, I am not open to the sacred possibilities that can be called forth in any given moment. At work, home, the grocery store…everywhere, if I am seeing with my heart I can have compassion and minister to others. There is a grace that unfolds when we just love regardless of circumstances. I am reminded of the lyrics to a song I learned in a Sufi dancing class: “Christ has no eyes in this world but yours and mine.” Thank you, Maria, for sharing this beautiful painting and wise perspective.

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~liz Wessel

December 8, 2011 at 9:03 am

Maria, this is my daily prayer (to see in this way.) I know that my experiences color how I see the world, and I wish to let go of old beliefs that limit my ability to see clearly. I wish to let go of perceptions that have outlived their usefulness. Yet, other experiences have opened my heart to suffering enabling me to remain present and not run, and for this I am grateful.
Also, I like this idea you offer of seeing beyond positive and negative and letting go of judgment. Our minds naturally want to categorize, label and judge, so this is an art I wish to cultivate. I think looking within is the key and contemplative prayer is an especially valuable way to enter in.
I often look to others for affirmation and approval rather than within for what is true for me. One blessing that comes with aging in this second part of life is opening to what is authentic and real in our journey of renewed self-discovery and I find this a true delight.
Thanks for sharing the gift of your seeing through your wonderful insights and beautiful art!

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erie

December 8, 2011 at 10:50 am

This is a wonderful column and a spectacular painting, Maria. Thanks so much for contributing your light to the Journal community. – Erie

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Stephanie

December 9, 2011 at 9:41 am

Maria, your art and your wisdom are beautiful! I had a work opportunity to try to see “the whole of what’s occurring”, with out judgement, this week. Another worker and I had some stressful words. We both wanted to serve the patient, but the realities of getting there were challenging. I’m sure that our inner voices and past relationships colored both of our experience in the present. I gave the situation prayer and time, we talked again in a quiet place, my goals being to both really see her, and to say my truth. My goal was not to make her see me, as we can never make another person do anything, but I was hopeful of that. With God’s help, I reached my goals in this conversation, and we can move forward with hope for good collaboration in the future. Thanks for expressing this dynamic of unfolding Seeing so well with your art and your written voice.

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Maria Doglio

December 11, 2011 at 8:42 pm

Thank you Candace, Liz, Erie and Stephanie, for all of your wonderful comments and perspective that add so beautifully to the dynamic of my own expression.

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marily

December 27, 2011 at 11:34 am

My eyes are opened more and more to see feeling His Presence all around, like shifting shades of sunlight, fill me with heart-bursting Joy. Unhurried pace of living in this rush-crazed age, the art of seeing sacredly.

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