Seeing What Is
Have you had cataract surgery or know someone who did? I had a fast growing cataract in my right eye several years ago and it had gotten to the point where it had covered up my retina so that no light could get in and I had lost sight in that eye. Walking up and down stairs was very treacherous because I couldn’t see where one step ended and the next one started. I also had trouble stepping over things like curbs or the concrete parking blocks in car parks. And then it was discovered that I had another cataract growing in the left eye — not as fast growing but nevertheless still extremely distressing!!
One 12-minute surgery in each eye removed the cataracts. Honestly, I could not believe the difference that was made by this brief but critical intervention. Suddenly I had 20/20 vision again in both eyes — something I have not had since childhood. But the real change was that colors were crisper and brighter; edges were cleaner and sharper that ever befire. The difference was absolutely astounding. How had I lived without color like that for so long? It was like a whole new world had just opened up to me!
Meanwhile, during this time in my life, I was grappling with a sigfnificant relational issue. I knew it was not a good situation for me but I was “blind” to the deeper issues that were affecting my happiness and well-being. I was making a lot of excuses and accommodations for another person’s totally disrespectful behavior towards me and, even though I knew this was happening, it was almost as if I couldn’t “see” it.
Metaphorically, the cataract surgery and my new ability to physically see with so much more beautiful and wondrous colorful clarity gave me the courage and confidence I needed to make some changes in my personal life and let go of that which was detrimental to my emotional landscape. I was once again actually “seeing what is” and no longer in the dark, in denial, or in a foggy state of being — visually or emotionally.
Looking back I really do categorize my cataract surgeries as a pivotal experience for me at the spiritual and cellular level that put me on a new path for healing and recovery in so many ways. “Seeing What Is” (8x8 Mixed Media on Canvas) is my ode to my cataract journey.
