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Fitting for New Year’s Eve, this is a story of the dinner toast. Introducing Eyesmeet — a descriptor coined with friends and a name for the act of looking directly into the eyes of those with whom you ching ching. A visual handshake of sorts, one that penetrates without touch, reaching a place where words are no longer necessary. When eyes lock, even for a moment, smiles erupt, giggles emerge, and a slightly uncomfortable yet unmistakably deeper connection is shared. Here’s lookin’ at you gorgeous.
Lookin’ at You
This powerful practice reminds me of the enchanting Nepali stupas — the four-sided Buddha sculptures I fell in love with on a 2023 trek in Nepal.
A circular base topped with eyes on all sides, stupa reminds us that Buddha sees all: what we know of ourselves, and what we hide from ourselves. Eight half-closed eyes gaze outward to the world and inward toward us. The dotted forehead offers third-eye wisdom. Stupas appear in all sizes and places you’d never expect — a small village at 11,000 feet, or a dim alleyway in Katmandu. Encountering them can be arresting.
Me: Why do you keep looking at me? What do you want from me? What can you teach me?
Stupa: I want you to look deeply and know thyself — to discover who you truly are, not who your family, or the culture, or your gender, or your life roles have told you to be. Find yourself, up-vibe yourself, love yourself, then share that person with the world. Authentic self is powerful, not vulnerable. Stop hiding. I want you to see your inner power — even if you can’t quite yet — and then offer it freely. People may not return the gift, but you can lead them.
As we toast the New Year — whether with wine or water — Stupa and Eyesmeet invite us to meet one another’s gaze. To truly see and be seen. In that simple exchange, you may catch a glimpse of yourself. It might inspire awe… maybe a few giggles. And that, grasshopper, is growth.
May deeper self-knowing and connection greet you in 2026.
Happy New Year.
Namaste (the god in me honors the god in you).
photos courtesy of LSIC
