The Being-With Project

The Human Gaze Experience

Ninety seconds of silence, holding the gaze of another human.

Black-and-white portrait of Lorca in winter light, smiling gently
Photograph · Dusan Smetana

The Human Gaze Project exists in cooperation with the beautiful Bozeman Public Library, though not only there. At the library, on Sundays between 1 and 3 p.m., it is possible to check out a human gaze.

It is a simple invitation: take a seat opposite me, and sit in silence for 90 seconds, holding the gaze of another human. You notice and allow anything that comes.

When you have finished, hold yourself and others gently for the rest of the day. If you wish, you can leave a note — for me, or as something to be shared along.

Afterwards

Questions to take with you

  1. What was familiar about this? What was new?
  2. What impulses showed up? How gentle was I with anything that came up?
  3. What assumptions was I making — about myself? About the other person?
  4. How comfortable was I with not knowing something?
  5. Did this experience use my energy, or feed me with energy? (Both are normal.)
  6. Is there someone who shows up for me now, to reach out to or connect with? (Do it…)
  7. What support can I add to — and take from — the world today?