I was looking at clips on Youtube a few moments ago, and misread a label, or was misled by one, and saw something that upset me profoundly. It doesn't matter what it was. The clip made my temperature soar, my heart rate speed up, and my breathing become quick and shallow. Then I felt nauseated, and a little faint.
Something I saw for just a moment on my small screen, and heard, tiny and tinny through my laptop's speakers, affected my body that much, and that fast, even though I knew it to be just a manipulated image on a screen. My fine mind knew that very well. But my body and spirit were far more perceptive, and knew it was something to get away from, fast.
Suddenly, there is new meaning for me in the practice of "custody of the eyes". I always thought it meant not allowing the eyes to dwell on what might be "occasions of sin" (such an efficient, all-encompassing little phrase). Ladies, be not immodest with your glances. That kind of thing.
But today, in the wake of this incident, I am thinking more deeply about the word custody, which is defined as guardianship and protective care. The eyes are the windows of the soul, it's said. Light and dark travel through windows in both directions. I should take greater care of these windows.
I don't mean I can shut my eyes to what is going on in the world. That would be irresponsible. I do not choose to bow out of our shared troubles and joys. Nor am I certain that what I saw would upset everybody (though I think it should). But I am going to exercise a little more protective care when choosing to be entertained by Youtube, films, with what I read, and what I dwell on. I want to keep the glass in my windows clear of crud, so that I can see true light and true dark.
And always know the difference.
Brilliant post, Laurel. And very true, even though it can be tricky, since certain visuals can take you unawares.
Posted by: Paula | January 25, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Very perspicacious of you, madam, but go primarily with your heart in the prophylaxis
of sacred senses.
Posted by: Malcolm MacLeod, MD | January 25, 2011 at 08:36 PM
Very interesting, Laurel. I can't help but wonder what could it be that you saw, but I understand your reaction and agree with your views on how we should all be smarter when it comes to picking our sources of entertainment.
Everything is in front of us in a matter of seconds now; the good, the bad and the ugly. It takes a lot of effort -and not little courage- to stay away from things that you know are bound to hurt you. We're just surrounded by junk...
Posted by: Gabriel | January 25, 2011 at 08:43 PM
It is our individual choice as to what we watch (see), listen to (hear) and how this affects our words and opinions. We do need to be watchful I believe, to guard ourselves from what is not "the truth". The truest truth, I feel is also seen through our hearts. God gave us all these senses to use in harmony so that we may find peace in our daily lives and use the vehicles of our bodies and our physical journey to our best ability. As part of my work, I do Iridology and Sclerology - the story that your eyes reveal about not only your health but your DNA handed down by the generations who came before you. Who you are, who you were meant to be and why your life may be out of balance because you do not know how to read the messages left to guide you in life... it is all there. Fascinating, incredible and amazes me at every opportunity I get to learn more about those around me, but most of all about myself.
Posted by: Ginny | January 26, 2011 at 08:02 AM
Paula, it is tricky, indeed. Staying awake is the hardest part (for me).
Ginny, your work sounds fascinating! I wish I knew more about that DNA in me - right now I am most aware of inherited musical ability, and stubbornness, both of which I suspect go back a long, long way!
Gabriel, we are surrounded by junk, as you say. And by the most dazzling beauty at every moment. The trick is to notice both. We tend to only see the former. I have to work on seeing both all the time.
Malcolm, who am I to go against doctor's orders? The heart, yes, always.
Blessings, Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Massé | January 27, 2011 at 12:13 PM