As a young pastor on spiritual retreat with other young pastors, in preparation for 48 hours of silence, the leaders encouraged us to “shield our eyes” to avoid extraneous eye contact with others. At first this instruction seemed rude and unChristian. “What do you mean we can’t look at each other? Isn’t it mean-spirited to not look someone in the eyes?” I wondered. So I tried it. During my two days of silence I didn’t engage anyone else, I even “shielded my eyes” from email, social media, and watching television or movies.
What do we look at when we don’t look at others or the outside world? The gaze of the mind’s eye, when unstimulated by exterior distractions, is free to turn inward. This is what the great spiritual teachers knew and what I was learning: the intentional quieting of the mind and the opening of the heart are spiritual practices that nurture and renew the soul.
It turns out that my mental health improves when I tend to my soul’s desire for “shielding of the eyes.” Overstimulated by the endless cycles of trauma that is every-day-life and the continual state of crisis of the world, my soul (and my mental health) grow weary. Yet, when I take time to look inward, my soul can breathe again. I feel a deep peace within my soul. Peace not as the world gives, but a peace that surpasses human understanding as scripture promises us.
I recently deactivated one of my social media accounts because I needed to “shield my eyes” from the drama. It felt like a risk to disengage because…what if I missed out? But as I thought more about it, I was already missing out…missing out on my peace of mind.
As we enter a busy and hectic season of “all the things,” think about how you might “shield your eyes” from things and people that do not bring you peace. You have my blessing to do so.
With hope,
Sarah