Denise David

I have spent the last several months in a study of body language. No, I did not read any new books on the subject or do an online research project. Instead, I have intentionally “listened” with my eyes.

While at the gym, I watched sports, news and old sit coms to determine how much of what was being said I could understand without earphones and gain understanding by visual observation alone. More recently, I had the opportunity to travel abroad. I watched golf in German. Viewed a documentary on the effects of music and dance on memory in Italian. Plus a few classic favorite movies I had the chance to re view in French. (Keep in mind, I don’t know German, Italian or French)What a fun exercise!

My purpose was to become more aware of body language and determine how much of what is being “said” beyond the spoken word I am “hearing.” An additional outcome I anticipated was an increased awareness of my own body language. Where my “unspoken message” might be perceived as negative or unreceptive?  How could I make even slight changes to improve receptiveness? What might improvements be made to make others feel more welcome, accepted or heard?

My project reinforced the power of a smile, direct eye contact and open hand gestures.

Each of us speak VOLUMES daily without saying a word by our facial expressions, our stance, movement of hands and arms.  In many cases, we are unaware of what our body language “sounds like.” For example, I was working with a 6 foot 6 former military guy. His military at ease stance did nothing to put the customers he was speaking to “at ease” on the contrary it was quite intimidating. He was not even aware of his stance until I mentioned it and the effect it was having on his customers.

Ask someone to see to observe and help you keep your unspoken dialogue in check. It can make a big difference in how you are received.

Beauty

Beauty

Beautiful!

Have you ever gotten too busy to notice the beauty around you? I have. It remains important to me to purpose to see that world around me in its fullness.

I choose to see the sky each morning and make note of its color. I watch the clouds; look for the way the light of the sun or the splendors of the moon reflect off the water. It is with purpose that the color of the grass, budding of the trees in spring or bounty of color in autumn are acknowledged.

I also appreciate the beauty of the generations around me. It is my privilege to be a part of a beautiful family. I am also in a position to influence future generations. Nothing is of greater importance to me.

I can sit with my grandmother, who turns 91 this week and talk about some to the ways she invested in me, the lessons she taught me and the joys we shared.  There is beauty in seeing her blue eyes sparkle and it’s wonderful!

It is also my honor to be able to watch the quiet determination of my youngest granddaughter and revel in the beauty of her smile, mysterious eyes and her perfect pudgy hands. I can view the dynamics of my 2 oldest grandchildren~ both extroverted, leaders as the each endeavor to invest in an already strong bond of friendship. Seeing the love, kindness, and diplomacy of these young cousins is a glorious thing.

From my vantage point, I can appreciate the relationships of both my retirement staged parents and my young married children. Seeing each dream, face challenges and find strength together is a very beautiful thing.

Just heard an interview from both the writer and producer of award winning film, “Biutiful”

About a man facing concerns about the legacy he was leaving behind. This film seems to show a dark side of Barcelona, Spain (which I was able to recently visit and see a brighter side.) Without a legacy, without the joy of heritage all other beauty seems to fail.

I hope that you will purpose to see the beauty in the world and relationships around you. If you have not done so before, TODAY is the perfect time to purpose to appreciate what is beautiful around you!

Biutiful