Looking at respect

By Marisa Geitner, president and C.E.O.

Are you feeling the reason for the season — are you feeling the promise and renewal as we move into the spring season? Are you eager to do something following the blessing and rejuvenation of Easter?  Make change or start anew? As Mahatma Gandhi once said, are you ready to “be the change that you wish to see in the world”? Don’t lose momentum, the first step might be much closer than you think.

At Heritage Christian, one of the ways we demonstrate our Christian compassion, a corporate value, is by smiling and making eye contact.  It is a seemingly simple discipline that if we aren’t careful in today’s day, might just become a lost art. We believe that our commitment to connecting sets us apart and it starts by showing our respect for others by looking them in the eye.

If given time to reflect, I think we can all agree on the power of connection that comes through eye contact.  Whether simply a passing connection to demonstrate our respect and care for another or looking deeply into someone’s eyes as a window into their soul, we rely on eye contact to connect and communicate on a conscious and an unconscious level.  Eyes tell us so much. They show us interest, direction, focus and emotion. Each of us is prepared differently to make eye contact, and that’s ok too! The purpose is to show respect and interest and welcome others. Begin by showing that in whatever way is most comfortable to you.

Today I ask that you take that step in being the change you’d like to see, to build a better relationship of community and to respect and connect with others.  As you pass by someone, smile and make eye contact. When you pay for your groceries, look into the eyes of the cashier, smile and say thank you. When you share dinner with your friends or family tonight, make a point to share eye to eye contact.  Let this simple gesture open you up to others. Let them see your willingness to acknowledge, respect and get to know them. You won’t be disappointed and you will be surprised to see how natural it is to respond to what you see in their eyes. The opportunity for change opens up from there!