On April 17th, the governor of my state made an announcement asking that all people wear masks when taking care of essential business outside the home. That was the first day I felt fear related to the pandemic.
To be clear, I am not afraid of this crisis. I never have been and I’m still not. I have a very healthy respect for the situation and I follow all the necessary precautions. But I don’t live a life of fear and my faith is strong that behaving appropriately will keep me safe.
However, the first day I went to the grocery store wearing a mask, I felt afraid. Not for myself, but for our society. It all felt so spooky – like a pessimistic science fiction film. But what made me want to cry was the fear I saw in other people’s eyes. Have you thought about what a mask does? It forces your attention to people’s eyes because that’s all you can see.
I’m a very sensitive person. I sense other people’s emotions. I could literally feel the fear, anxiety, and intensity from those around me. I know I’m not supposed to touch my face out in public, but as I moved down the aisles of my grocery, the tears kept welling up in my eyes. I kept feigning undo interest in canned goods I didn’t want or need just to hide the fact that other people’s emotions were rolling down my cheeks.
This scenario continued to repeat itself each time I would run to the market for supplies until recently when it suddenly changed.
Last weekend – when I arrived at our local grocery – I started my (new) regular procedure. I put on my face mask and then my gloves. I poured hand sanitizer into my right hand and then used my left hand to exit and lock my car. I walked to get a grocery cart and used the hand sanitizer I had poured to wipe down the cart I would be shopping with.
Then it hit me. “Oh my gosh, I’ve gotten used to this.” I looked around at all the people in masks going about their business. “We’ve all gotten used to this.”
And then boom! The waterworks started again. Now I was crying because this strange, but warranted behavior was starting to feel like the new normal. I wasn’t emotionally affected by other people’s fear, I was experiencing concern because people were no longer startled by this predicament.
I thought to myself “Good grief, is every little trip to the grocery store going to be an emotional experience now?”
Once I had collected what I needed, I went to check out. There was a sweet, young man running the cash register behind one of those big plastic shields. I smiled at him when he asked “Did you find everything you needed?” But then I wondered if he could tell that I was smiling behind my mask.
That’s when a very powerful realization hit me: the young man was looking me straight in the eyes. And I was doing the same to him. In that moment, I thought to myself “Oh my god. The masks are forcing us, as a society, to look each other in the eyes.”
We can no longer divert our eyes to someone’s mouth, or their nose, or some vague spot on their face. That is all covered. We have to look each other in the eyes. The awareness of such a powerful shift in the way we interact with one another suddenly gave me hope and I smiled again behind my mask.
I then responded to him “Yes, young man. Thank you. I found everything I was looking for and then some.”
I hadn’t anticipated picking up a little hope and perspective at the grocery that day, but that young man delivered it anyway.
Don’t forget that the angels are there for you. If you are sensitive like I am, then ask Archangel Michael to keep you protected and grounded so that you don’t have to walk through the store feeling everyone else’s emotions.
In other words, do as I say, not as a I do.
Angel blessings,
~Radleigh
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Thank you 🙂
Thank you!
What an insightful and beautiful message! Thank you
Thank you for this beautiful message! I’ve also had lovely interactions with cashiers these days, people are so sweet and helpful! I feel like God and angels are very present and reminding us that love is all around 🙂
Thank you for this. I too am not afraid but I am careful. I wear a mask because I understand it is more to protect others and that seems like the right and kind thing to do , though it is not required in my county. However it does seem strange to me and I am anxious whenever I go to the store. This gave me a new way of looking at things that I really needed. Thank you! ❤️
Yes!!!! I been there too ! Thank you for shari g and giving a light in the woods of this times of changes!
I ,until recently , have spent most of my work life behind a mask. You do have to make eye contact and you do have to listen. I can tell when people are smiling or when they are sad, concerned and so on. The eyes are truly the windows of the soul and you do see a person’s soul. I did get used to the mask and began to see through it. 34 years in surgery I learned to see differently.
Linda
I ,until recently , have spent most of my work life behind a mask. You do have to make eye contact and you do have to listen. I can tell when people are smiling or when they are sad, concerned and so on. The eyes are truly the windows of the soul and you do see a person’s soul. I did get used to the mask and began to see through it. 34 years in surgery I learned to see differently.
A different Linda
Hi Rad,
Thanks for sharing. I experienced a lot of what you described. At first stores were filled with fear. Now it’s better. Love your concept if how we must now look each other in the eyes. I really appreciate all of the many YouT clips you post so often. Bless you Earth Angel ❤️❤️
Radleigh, you are incredible! You’re not exactly making lemonade out of lemons, but you are seeing the beautiful potential in what could be considered a very sad situation. This latest posting struck me to the heart like nothing else I’ve read lately! Thank you !
Rad, you sweet sensitive soul! I was crying with you when I was reading. How true that we will need to look at each other’s eyes to understand how others are feeling–or not understand at all. I think we all could use that epiphany. Thank you very much!
Dear, Dear Radleigh, It’s a beautiful thing to look in & see the bright Light of Love shinning from the beautiful Soul within. You can feel their Heart Love – those ready to look you in the eyes. You can see & feel their Love & Compassion & if they are smiling. I’m very sensitive & you can also feel the full experience of their emotions as well. I cried as I read your beautiful shared experience as I’ve also gone through it, so it felt very familiar & I recognized it (as many will). When first going to stores, I was scared & rushing around trying to hurry & get done, out & back home. Now, I have been able to relax more knowing this is just what’s needed for now to help us ALL be safe. We wear the masks & gloves out of respect for each other’s health & wellbeing. That’s the way I am looking at it now. My Mother passed away this past December. She had the most beautiful sky blue eyes. I always told her how beautiful she was shinning so much Love. She had the biggest Heart too & I felt it all by looking into those baby blues. It’s so healing to experience that. Even now, just looking at her picture, she radiates Love beyond human words. Love you Mama. Radiate your Love for all to see. God Bless you Radleigh. I see that in you!
Hello Rad! Thanks for sharing
Your experience with us. I have noticed the fearful feelings are leaving. This is helping us look into the eyes, the souls of the people we are in contact with. Interesting times. ❤️
I had a similar experience weeks ago. I had a fully telepathic moment with a clerk at the store, due to the masks. I felt what you did, that the eye contact was something I’d been missing for so long! Now I look at it as getting ready for a Halloween event or something. I mask up and try to make it look cute. I feel a lot better about the unknown this way. Navigating the fear and the implied society procedures. It feels temporary and that helps calm the fear as well. I just keep on thanking the future time when the procedures are no longer deemed “necessary” and ride the waves.