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When was the last time you saw a human being? Truly saw them without judgment or pre-conceptions? Saw them as who they are and maybe even who they strive to become?

In a circle of family and friends, in a work environment, on the street or in a shop, in any face-to-face or virtual setting… it seems like seeing people as people has become more challenging in the last years. What a contradiction as we probably long to be seen and to connect as human beings more than ever… Believing in the power of genuine human connections is part of my purpose, and I believe creating connections is part of who I am.

It’s somewhat striking to notice how I currently do find it more challenging to embrace humanness in others. My own thoughts as I walk or talk or the desire for a next step sometimes come in the way faster than my choice to truly see others. Every time it happens, I realize what I miss out on – a nurturing, connecting, potentially eye-opening connection (no matter how short or profound) that’s so essential to being human, to experiencing ourselves and the world through simply being connected. And yes, it is simple if we let go of what “it should be” and our mind chatter. Then it’s just people seeing each other and discovering the magic of what it means to come together. Because sometimes even the shortest connection can make us feel more human, give us a sense of belonging, or even create space for discoveries. It takes a second to make a conscious choice to see others as people and step into our humanity. The question is: what will it take to make this choice more often? The quality of our connections (and our lives!) might get so much better when we do.