I see you!
Connections can only grow in depth and significance when acknowledgement is given and received. Recognizing someone is a powerful way to make them feel seen, heard, and valued.
Yesterday, I went to the theatres to watch Avatar: The Way of Water, and while the movie is beautiful in its spectacular sights and has fewer flaws than virtues, one thing I couldn't get out of my head is their greeting: "I see you."
The Na'vi, a fictional race from the film Avatar, have a potent expression they use: "I see you." When meeting someone, you can either greet them with a neutral "Oel ngati kame" or enthusiastic "Oel ngati kameie" in Na'vi. Moreover, the Na'vi have not one but two forms of the word "see."
tse’a, which pertains to physical vision.
kame, which means to see in a spiritual sense. It is more closely a synonym of “understand” or “comprehend.”
"Oel ngati kameie" means oel = I, ngati = you kameie = see, with positive feeling.
Typically coupled with a little bow of the head, this phrase is used in Pandora to show respect and gratitude for the other person's presence. It is a term of profound spiritual meaning to the Na'vi.
"I see you" is a versatile expression with numerous applications. In a time of crisis, for instance, it can convey compassion and solidarity. It's an excellent way to express gratitude for someone's help or hard work. Additionally, it can be used to express sympathy and care for someone going through a challenging period.
What it means to me is to see someone's true nature, the good in their soul, and to know how connected we all are. The English word that comes closest to what it means is "acknowledgement."
I acknowledge you!
You can't say enough about how important it is to acknowledge others fully. In the world we live in now, we often have to deal with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Recognizing other people is a meaningful way to show that you respect and value their unique ideas and experiences. It can also help us have meaningful and valuable relationships and learn more about our biases.
There's more to acknowledging someone than just saying "hello" or flashing a smile. It means paying attention to what they say, validating what they say, and showing genuine interest in what they say. It also means being aware of who has more power in a conversation and trying to even things out. Then, when two people acknowledge each other, they feel heard and respected.
“Recognizing someone is a powerful way to make them feel seen, heard, and valued.”
- Ivan Nyagatare
When done right, acknowledgement can help people connect and talk to each other in a good way. It can help people feel safe and trust each other, which makes it easier to talk and share ideas. Acknowledging something can also help people and groups understand each other better, which is suitable for everyone.
Besides making relationships better, acknowledgement is vital for creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. This means noticing and appreciating the differences between people. Remember that everyone has a unique story and point of view to share. Recognizing these differences can help break down stereotypes and barriers, leading to deeper conversations and a better understanding of each other.
Acknowledgement can also help build self-esteem and confidence. When we agree with someone's thoughts and feelings, we show that they are essential and valuable. This can be very powerful for people who are often left out or made to feel like they don't exist. Recognizing someone is a powerful way to make them feel seen, heard, and valued.