Louisa Percudani

A Real Eye Opener

I got to the boarding gate and I started my experiment.  The first person would be easy as it was my friend. 

The night before Brian Grazer’s book, “Face to Face” had crossed paths with mine. He believes eye contact “sends a message that is critical to the success of a conversation. It says I am present.” 

I looked my friend in the eyes as we talked.  I do look at people, but this was different. I was maintaining eye contact.  I thought, “Does she think I am staring?” Feeling vulnerable I continued even though my guarded East Coast nature wanted out.  Wondering if any moment I would hear in a thick New York accent, “What are you looking at?”

Grazer shares, “When you show someone that you are paying attention to them with your eyes you are also communicating that you sincerely want to know them. You are taking the time and energy to focus on them because they matter; their knowledge, thoughts, insights, experiences are of value.” 

I found myself connected more to the emotion of what my friend was sharing and listened more deeply.  We were hopping over to another Island for a work conference.  I continued eye contact with the flight attendant, the Hertz agent and all that I met. 

I ran into a colleague who looked sideways while I looked into his eyes and I noticed when people were looking into mine.  I felt the awkward moments when conversation dropped without reciprocation and it didn’t stop me. I kept going because I was having so much fun being open and connected. 

My friend Henry Rojas calls this “Conscious Contact”.  “When we become intentionally conscious of what is in front of us instead of seeking what is not then we experience the presence of God. Instead of being self-conscious I become God conscious. I see with the eyes of God versus mine.” 

So, this week will you join me? Look people in the eyes for a moment or more. I promise you there is so much in store.

Together we connect,  

Louisa 

P.S.  I love to connect, feel free to comment.

f
1942 Amsterdam Ave NY (212) 862-3680 chapterone@qodeinteractive.com
Free shipping
for orders over 50%