"To See"

"To See" - a phrase that might appear rather simple on the surface, yet it holds a depth of meaning, particularly in Freemasonry.

"To See" - a phrase that might appear rather simple on the surface, yet it holds a depth of meaning, particularly in Freemasonry. As the old adage goes “Seeing is Believing” .

Our Masonic Ceremonies places a significant emphasis on the act of seeing.

One particular practice stands out, wherein during lodge proceedings there is a requirement to visually confirm that certain Officers are in their position. This ensures the Lodge's privacy and security. This process, though practical, carries symbolic weight as well, encapsulating values of vigilance, trust, and accountability.

"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity."
- Simone Weil

In modern life, with all its technology and digital advancement, has gradually been eroding this direct, face-to-face 'seeing'. There's an array of scenarios where the tangible act of seeing has been removed, leading to some critical challenges. For instance, the rise of online shopping, remote work, digital learning, social media interactions, and online dating have all somewhat lessened our reliance on direct visual cues.

This shift presents a problem, leading to decreased vigilance, reduced trust, and a need for additional verification. Emotional connections can be harder to forge, and detecting problems or ensuring accountability becomes tricky. It seems that the lack of seeing has left us in a less connected, less trusting, and less accountable world.

We've become highly reliant on non-visual communication modes, email & text message come to mind, and while they offer convenience, they also have drawbacks.

The essence of 'seeing', both literally and symbolically, is crucial. It doesn't only involve physically seeing something or someone but includes being present, acknowledging, and understanding what is in front of us.

This act of 'seeing' promotes mutual respect, trust, and emotional connection.

But what if we continue down this path? If we continue to devalue the significance of 'seeing'? We risk losing the human touch in our interactions, the personal connection that fosters trust and empathy. It leads to a society where people feel less accountable for their actions, where miscommunication and misinformation flourishes due to the absence of non-verbal cues, and where trust becomes a rare commodity.

If we can learn to revalue 'seeing', to bring it back into our daily interactions, we can hope for a positive change. Despite the digital interfaces, we could establish deeper, more meaningful connections. Our interactions are then marked by increased trust, where we take more accountability, and where our sense of community is stronger.

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
- Marcel Proust

In a world where we don't just 'look', but truly 'see' each other - it's a tantalising prospect. That's a future worth striving for. A future where we use technology not to obscure our human connections but to enhance them. Where we retain our ability to 'see' and be seen. Where trust is not just an abstract concept but a living, breathing part of our interactions.

Here are some tactical and practical steps to use our eyes to open our hearts:

1. Increase Face-to-Face Interaction:
   Try to incorporate more one-to-one interactions into your day, whether it's in on the phone, in person or through video calls. Instead of sending a message or email, pick up the phone and call the other person, or even meet on Zoom. Physical presence often helps in establishing trust and emotional connection.
   

2. Active Listening:
   When communicating, particularly digitally, practice active listening. This involves being fully present, showing that you're paying attention, and providing thoughtful responses.
   

3. Transparency:
   Be transparent and encourage others to do the same. Clear, open communication can help build trust.
   

4. Trust and Verify:
   It's fine to trust, but always take the time to verify, especially in a professional setting. This maintains accountability and ensures the quality of work.
   

5. Mindful Use of Technology:
   Use technology mindfully. Aim for a balance between convenience and personal connection.
   

6. Foster a Culture of Accountability:
   Whether at work or in personal relationships, foster a culture of accountability. Make it clear that everyone's actions have consequences.

Bringing back the value of 'seeing' might not be an easy task, but it's not impossible. It involves each of us taking small but significant steps, being aware of our actions and their impacts, and always striving for open, sincere communication.

By doing so, we can hope to navigate our modern, digital world without losing the invaluable human element of 'seeing' - a lesson we can take from the rituals of Freemasonry.