Solo eye-gazing practice / June 2026

Hello there! Eye-gazing is a powerful tool for connection -- even if you're practicing with yourself. I have practiced eye-gazing with others, but a while back I read a post by @selfcarecreature about SELF eye-gazing. I loved the idea so much that I sat down and tried it right away. I had been having a messy morning and wanted to create space for that messiness instead of trying to shift out of it right away. Messiness is welcome here. I gazed at my own eyes for over seven minutes and a few things stood out to me in that time: 1. I have SO many thoughts, stories, and feelings that have a lot to say. They were very grateful to have a moment to be heard more intently. 2. After 7 minutes, I felt much softer and more open. I noticed my focus zoomed out and I realized that I was staring at a human being. It sounds silly, but something shifted -- I wasn't just looking at ME. I was looking at a sweet, messy human who was trying their best and deserved compassion and love. I wish that realization for you, too. 3. I could have stayed so much longer! The first few minutes felt a bit awkward. I had many impulses to get up or "fix" my hair, etc, but after those few minutes, I settled in. I felt relaxed, like I was connecting with a good friend, who didn't need to speak to be understood. I felt less judgmental and more curious. 4. Eye contact is really vulnerable. Especially with ourselves, because we know us SO well. So, no pressure. I wanted to share this video because I figure that even if you aren't in a place where you want to dive into this practice yourself, maybe you could use some eye contact in a safe, virtual sort of way. Maybe? In this short time, I noticed a range of emotions show up: anger sadness fear hope curiosity love compassion anxiety empathy trust relief excitement peace I could name more, but I'm curious if you can name your emotions as they arise for you in the same way. Do you notice your feelings most of the time? How do you think you would know if you weren't noticing your feelings? What would that be like?