Language is a sea of fascinating idioms and we all get an opportunity to ponder over this. Some say, “one eye see; the other one is a feel.” It attaches so much meaning to the process that it may feel like an awkward sentence at first: It addresses the fine line between what we see with our eyes and feel in our souls. In this article, we are going to explore what that phrase means exactly and from where it might arise and how (at least on some level) will be related with philosophy, psychology or everyday life.
Origin of the Term
A phrase similar to — if not even another instantiation of — this sentiment does have an origin that is well documented in the field. It just keeps popping up all over the place, even sometimes when discussing how we know things about this world; It is, perhaps a little too often reduced to an association with Eastern philosophies: the idea that there should be balance and harmony in all things.
Seeing is often equated with knowledge and clarity — it’s the core of what can truly be known by virtue that we can observe. For example, emotions are tangled up in feeling and so is intuition and empathy — things we know without seeing. It contains a truth that is simple, and yet profound: one cannot see the world just with his eyes (the facts), neither can he feel about it solely in some feeling kind of way (emotions).
Perceiving: Perception, by definition involves seeing and feeling.
The concept of “One eye sees, the other feels” is all about balance. On one eye sees, we have seeing. Seeing is about the raw figures, what we see and it should be a solid certainty. It is like seeing an image and only noticing its colors, forms or characteristics. This is easy to observe — and understand.
Then there’s feeling. Feeling is more about intuition, emotion and empathy. Because that is the gut feeling you get when you see that same picture — it appeals to something, makes your heart a little warmer or even put a tear in your eye. The mind doesnt seem to like feeling, but this is what helps give our visuals depth.
Juggling these two perceptual modes —viewing with one eye sees and feeling through the other— helps us to experience, appreciate and navigate our surrounding world. It assists in making us not only academic smart decisions, but also compassionate and empathetic ones.
The Yin Yang in Philosophy and Spirituality
Beyond just self-help advice, in the works of many philosophies and spiritual teachings you will come across all sorts notions pertaining to — balancing the mind with heart, or logic versus emotion. This could be likened to the buddhist term of “Right View,” and also “Right Intention”. Right View is actually what we see things exactly as it is, having a clear mind. During your deed or action, the ‘Right Intention’ is to think with compassion and kindness. It aligns well with the concept of observing through one eye, and experiencing via another.
Daoism, for example: yin/yang — opposites fold into each other Balance, is light and dark, man and woman – logic and emotion all pairs that work together to create harmony. The stanzas begin rolling out: “one eye sees and the other feels” is about finding equilibrium in what we see, and how best to frame their understanding of our planet.
The Science Behind It: Left Brain vs Right Brain
This stem from the realm of psychology when we are thinking about it in laymans terms. On either side of the brain, there are hemispheres taking care of two very different types of thinking. The left brain is known to be more logical, analytical and detail-oriented. It is the front side of seeing, where facts are rationalized and data makes sense.
On the other side, there is a right part of brain that governs creativity and emotions. This is the emotional crying side, this helps us understand emotions and to connect with others as well as appreciate art and music. Or as the saying goes, live with “one eye in and one eye out” to make sense of life.
Balancing both sides is key. On the other hand our logical side might make us come off as cold and indifferent, yet if we only count on emotion alone then rash decisions or perhaps bad choices will be made. The way forward is to apply both; logic when required but never without forgetting your heart.
Everyday Life
But “one eye sees, the other feels” is not just a platitude for philosophers and psychologists. It also deserves a space in our day-to-day. What about a huge decision like changing your job, leaving town or picking up and moving to the closest big city. So long as you are interested in only the facts, salary benefits… etc. and not what it feels like deep inside yourself,… Sure, the new job seems like a good idea but there is something in your stomach that says it’s not right. When you take into account what your environment is showing to be true (the facts) and how it makes you feel emotionally, chances are that the decision made will truly benefit yourself.
Ditto for relationships. So by all means observing, coming to terms with the facts and elucidating them may be considered important (seeing), but also sensing from a heartful place or being supportive is what we should keep in mind. If you combine the benefits from both dispositions, chances are uour relationship will have a much better chance of thriving and feeling meaningful.
Balancing Personal Growth
Part of what personal growth is about, for me at least, is finding that balance between seeing and feeling. And if you are way too visual — in need of facts, logic and whatnots all the time; that is to say on a very high frequency wave length kind of person— probably there lays your shadow because then it may be deprived from feeling life. And likewise, if you write too heavily from feelie-feel-land then your decision-making will not be the most objective or sound.
Seek to further both aspects, in a attempt grow as an individual. By doing things like practising mindfulness or meditating (which help you see more clearly) and journaling (helps to feel), you can become increasingly aware of what your thoughts are telling you. The more balanced you are, the better positioned to manage life hastens and slows.
Conclusion
The phrase “One eye sees, and the other feels” is more than poetic. An important role: to remind us, what Life is all about — the balance. There is a call to action for us now — it asks: “Use both your reason and intuition in the understanding of world… → Whether we look at it in terms of philosophy, psychology or just how live our lives, this concept urges us to pursue life with both thoughtfulness and kindness. It is there, in finding that balance and level of patience point; but the more fulfilled life comes from making not just smart choices while tapping into your newfound cognitive focus–but truly meaningful ones.
