Selectively Juggling

My life seems to be punctuated by a constant sting of such random encounters. Moments of random connection and conversations that can leave a lasting imprint or impressions.

A random encounter that helped me to recheck my implicit bias occurred in Dubai. I was on holiday with my young family (ages 8, 9 & 12) and husband. As an Australian women I have enjoyed the freedoms of expression, and ability to dress accordingly to my own choice (within reason obviously) So, I was taken aback by the whole full Length Burqa with Niqab worn by Muslim women. It is so culturally different to my own socially constructed world. However, while waiting in the fancy hotel and restaurant I walked passed a Muslim women dressed in full Niqab. Our eyes locked in a moment of real connection, Her eyes were gorgeous, framed by incredibly long lashes. Her eyes were warm, intelligent,and kind. They were alive with energy, humour, and knowing. Our eyes smiled sincerely, and as we did it was like we were both acknowledging the space, presence and worth of each other. It was a powerful moment , soul to soul, women to women, mother to mother. It was more than simply glancing at another person. It was as though our two worlds collided and for an instant our eyes spoke volumes, breaking down stereotypes and reaffirming the concept of shared humanity.

Random? yes! Impactful? Definitely! Positive? Undoubtedly! I hope in that moment I served as a vehicle or conduit to help break down stereotypes of western women. I know that I definitely paused and readjusted my world lens. Also, just to add an honest, unmasked and unguarded moment of eyes connecting, can say and communicate much more than just words. The eyes can convey emotions and thoughts often difficult to encapsulate with mere words. I guess they really are a mirror to the soul. In that random moment I learned to see beyond the stereotype, beyond the wrappings, and see the genuine presence of the person. If I hadn’t had been born into the life I was, I could have been this woman. If I had, would my eyes burn bright or what they cloud over with feelings of sadness and confinement? Are we really different anyway? Or simply a different manifestation of the feminine?