It is a rather intimidating realization when you look up from your phone and see that someone is staring at you. "Why are they staring? Is something on my face? Is my hair messed up? Maybe my outfit? Do I know him/her?" The anxiety of the unknown factor gives us a certain discomfort, a certain feeling, a sensation only received through the prolonged gaze of a stranger. What would you think if you were told that you were being watched all of the time...even when you least expected it.
Okay, okay. You got me. You aren't being watched 24/7, in your home, where nobody can see you (unless you did something to put you on some type of watch list, which I hope you didn't). However, you are in the eyes and thoughts of more people than you realize. Every time you go out in public, in school, in the workplace, on a bus, on a plane - anywhere you go that other people are - you are noticed, seen, and watched. Think about it! When you walk into a waiting room at the doctors' office, what is the first thing that you do when you sit down? You look around the room, observing every person (then you usually turn to your phone). As you walk down the aisle of a bus, train, or plane, you look at most of the people that you pass by. Finally, and most importantly, when someone makes a scene in public, whether it be cleaning up a mess, talking to a friend, or trying to calm down a screaming kid, you notice.
Here's the kicker: everyone else watches everyone just like you do. That means you are included. How you walk, talk, interact, react, pass time, do you job, and live your life is all being viewed by those around you, many of whom you will never know. Anytime you go out in public, you are being watched. Why does this matter? It is not a negative part of society, it is just something that people do! However, for such a common part of life, in needs to be used correctly. Think back to the times where something went wrong, and someone reacted poorly. Now think back to when someone reacted positively. Remember? I can still remember people's reactions to situation from years ago, positive and negative.
Okay, but what is that point? First, first impressions are extremely important. You never know who might have seen you in the past, and who may recognize you for something you have done. A negative reaction, or a negative first impression, can do more damage that we know. Make a daily, conscious effort to be positive, react calmly and kindly, and do your best to make the people you see, and who see you, smile. Living like this when you think nobody is watching, brings me to my second point. Practicing these traits of kindness, compassion, and love, when you think that nobody is watching, will positively influence how you act around the people you care about. This continuous practice will slowly but surely influence you to become a happier, more friendly, and more loving person. So next time you are out and about, notice the people noticing you, and make their day just a little brighter!