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Insight Photo by Marilynne  Insight by Fred Harwin

Windows to the Soul

The soul— Definition

1. the spiritual or immaterial part of a  human being is regarded as immortal.

2. emotional or intellectual energy or intensity, especially as revealed in a work of art or an artistic performance. as in “Their interpretation lacked soul”

3. Similar words - inspiration, feeling, emotion, passion, animation, intensity, vitality, spirit, enthusiasm, warmth, commitment.

While out walking this week, window to the soul came to mind.  I thought about how some people keep their windows covered while others invite the world in. The phase, window to the soul, came to mind. It usually begins with, eyes are the window to the soul, meaning you can understand a person's emotions and thoughts by looking into his or her eyes. I questioned how it was possible and if the phrase could be applied to ordinary windows as well?

  According to Psychology Today, eyes tell a lot about a person’s emotional state. When sad and worried, brows are furrowed and eyes look smaller. When cheerful, eyebrows are raised making them look bigger and brighter. 

  The pupil is similar to the aperture of a camera. It dilates or contracts to regulate the light coming into the eye. It is controlled by your involuntary nervous system, In addition to light sensitivity, its size tells a lot about emotions and intentions. If someone points and gun at your head, your heart and breath rates will increase and pupils will dilate. The same reaction occurs when you see an attractive person across the room who arouses your interest. 

Eyes aren't only for vision. They are there to explore and exploit. While exploring, pupils open wide to take in as much visual information as possible. The moment an object is identified, they contract to exploit the situation to understand it better.

The amount of light let in or kept out of a window also depends on the emotional makeup of the person inside moving the shades. What they do varies depending on the individual's mood, the weather, and the time of day. Opening and closing coverings are our way of controlling the aperture of the window. Our brains tell our voluntary nervous system what to do.

Some windows are completely covered by shades to keep light and nosey neighbors out. Other openings have translucent curtains or sandblasted glass that lets in light but doesn't allow strangers to see in. There are those with partially open shutters and others where the window is open to view.   Whether looking out, in or through, I like openings that make me feel connected.

   I know people who never open window coverings. Entering their home is like walking into a cave lit by artificial light. To see outside, they pull back a section of the curtain and peek making sure not to be seen. Other acquaintances aren’t a bit alarmed if seen making dinner or practicing the piano. From the open aperture of their window, they enjoy the panorama outside.

  Like eyes, windows are openings to the soul. They are an additional lens through which most of us view the world. They show trust and distrust, curiosity and retreat, cold and warmth, light and darkness. They reveal the vitality of spirit, the embrace of nature, and the fear of humanity.

Curiosity

Chinese and Japanese windows, influenced by the philosophy of Confucianism, let the viewer see both shaped and unshaped, visible and invisible, disorderly and orderly parts of the world. Through a sectioned window, the environment changes as the eye moves around and the brain unites its parts into a harmonious whole. I.M. Pei's windows at the Louvre provide visitors with an intimate connection to the sky. The Bank of China's building connects people to various parts of the city. Pei's windows invite people to see nature in new ways.

Paying attention to the eyes and windows in our world provides feedback into what it means to be human. Before moving in, my new neighbors are renovating the house they recently bought. I wonder who they are and what's inside? 

      Closed for Repairs 

References. 

Ludden, D. (2015) Your Eyes Really Are the Window to Your Soul. Psychology Today. retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/201512/your-eyes-really-are-the-window-your-soul

Trisno,R. (2021) Lao Tze and Confucious’ philosophies influenced the designs of Kiso Kurokawa and tad Ando. Springer —City, Territory, and Architecture. retrieved from https://cityterritoryarchitecture.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40410-021-00138-x