Touching Another’s Soul Part 1

August 11, 2026

Welcome to This Week’s Daily Reflections on “Touching Another’s Soul.”

Why would we want to touch another person’s soul?

There are countless reasons. We may love someone and long to feel closer to them. We may be moved by something in them and want to make a deeper connection. We may recognize a quality in that person that awakens something within us. Perhaps their courage stirs our courage. It could be that their sorrow opens our compassion. It may be possible that their goodness puts us in touch with our own and we want to establish a soul connection with them.

Sometimes we especially want to touch the souls of those who are sick, grieving, lonely, frightened, or otherwise limited. We may not be able to remove their suffering, but we want them to know that they are not alone inside it. And when we are going through trouble, we may want to touch someone’s soul for closeness, presence, or simply for someone to walk consciously with us during our challenge. How then, do we touch another soul?

For many of us, to touch someone’s soul we are physically present, and we begin by offering our full attention. We bring our mind, body, and heart into the moment. We stop rehearsing what we will say next. We stop trying to fix, impress, advise, or escape. We become still enough to truly receive the person before us. We silently introduce a third element in our relationship — Divine presence. That kind of presence carries reverence.

One of the most powerful ways we express the soul touch is through the eyes. We do not stare. We express through the gaze. Called the holy gaze, this visual connection is the soul’s capacity to see ourselves, others, and all reality as God sees them—truthfully, compassionately, and without losing sight of the divine light hidden beneath human imperfection. Recently, I was the recipient of such a gaze.

I was having a serious and thoughtful conversation with someone I deeply respect. Someone who understands and lives sacred presence. At one point, I expected the person to respond verbally, but instead they simply looked at me. At first, I felt awkward. I wondered whether they did not know what to say. I even felt slightly put off. I was waiting for words, an explanation, or some sign that the conversation would continue as usual. But the words did not come. The person continued to gaze at me—not blankly, not intrusively, but with a deep and quiet presence.

Gradually, I realized that they had moved beyond verbal exchange. They were not searching for a response. They were simply with me. When I understood their intention, something in me softened. My defenses dropped. I felt lifted, received, and strangely honored. I nodded in acknowledgment and allowed myself to take in what was being given. They touched my soul without speaking a word. There was no dramatic gesture. No advice. No display of emotion. Nothing was being asked of me. Yet something profound passed between us.

For a rare moment, my deepest nature was being seen—not merely my personality, my role, my accomplishments, my wounds, or my imperfections. I felt that the divine within me was being recognized and affirmed. And as soon as I became conscious of their divine presence, I recognized it in them as well.

When the conversation resumed, it shifted. It seemed to rise to another level—not because either of us had said something significant, but because we had entered a more profound field of awareness. We were no longer merely exchanging thoughts. Soul had met soul. The holy gaze is only one way we touch another person’s soul. This week we will reflect on the many ways that this gift is given and received. 

Spiritual Practice

See what it is like for you to consciously touch a person’s soul. You may want to try it through a holy gaze. But any way you choose is through presence. 

Inquiry

Why would you ever feel awkward if someone gave you a holy gaze? Why would we feel awkward if we have a holy gaze?

Prayer

Dear God, For the experience of the holy gaze I am truly thankful. Once again, I experienced your love through someone else’s presence.

Amen