Up until a moment recently, I had always thought about the meaning of body language in a specific way. Body language is non-verbal communication which makes up 55% of our face-to-face communication package (vocal, 38%, and words, 7%, make up the rest). A store sign in a quiet Beirut neighbourhood took it in a different direction.
As I walked past the store, my mind kept going back to the connection. What if body language begins with what we wear? If so, how far does one take the question? This store would seem to suggest that we could take it right back to the foundation of our under-clothes. If one did, it would seem natural to put the end-to-end connection between one’s non-verbal message that went along with our vocal sound and words. One would, in this case, be completely focused on themselves and their message.
I am a fan of clarity, directness, and accuracy when it comes to communication. It helps to understand what another is saying. I found myself wondering how much focus on oneself is good. Does going so far end up taking something helpful to something destructive?
There are warnings across time of the consequences. Paul’s words come to mind; “Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing.” (Romans 8.7) I appreciate the nuance Paul reminds me of; anyone completely absorbed.
On this afternoon, I did not stop. I was not sure there was anything for me in the store. Additionally, I just stocked up the other week. If I think about it, there are a few individuals I know that would take time to visit. And yet, a question remains for me unanswered. What absorbs my thinking?
As I start a new day, my attention is the next step towards a better future. I believe in the community. My focus is on what we need to do. My attention gives birth to action.
