Meerkats have become very noticeable… Probably due to a certain advertising campaign. “Simples.“
It’s a very clever idea. Taking a lovably “cheeky chappie” animal and dreaming up several witty and appealing characters, we enjoy a series of capers and mishaps: all in the course of persuading us that all our insurance needs can be sorted painlessly by these cute meerkat experts. (Teasing celebrities like Paul Hollywood adds to the comedy value.)
Making us laugh gets us “on their side.” We are psychologically more likely to do business because we have formed a relationship with these animated charmers. And they smile.
Choosing my picture was difficult. I have taken many meerkats photos, some with regal stares- and a few with squabbles- but THIS meerkat gazed at me with lovely brown eyes and the hint of a smile. (It probably thought royalties might be forthcoming- but has had to settle for just admiration!)
A good photo requires a connection between photographer and subject. Often this is done by catching behaviour and character (believe me, meerkats are easier than the 2-to-3 year old toddlers at preschool). Failing a dramatic pose or dynamic action, the next best thing is a smile with eye contact. “Smile please!”
Portraits succeed or fail on this connection. Some people can relax and look natural; others have trained to pose, and know the tricks of the trade. Of course, there is always one who clowns around or does something outrageous which either succeeds wildly or looks completely ridiculous.
I was in a couple of groups this week discussing ways of connecting to God. All the usual ideas like prayer and study came up, and very fine they are too. Next time the group talks, I want to ask them to really LOOK for a connection- as if God called “Smile please!” because He wants a “photo” with eye connection. Imagine that- looking directly into Holy eyes and seeing a smile on the Face of the one who loves us more than we realise or even imagine. I rather think He would like us to have a mental picture of Him smiling at us. Imagine that! Wouldn’t we be more motivated to love God back?
Isaiah 49:16 reminds us that God loves His people so much “your name is engraved on the palms of My hands…”
In Ignatian spirituality, one of the exercises is to “bask in God’s gaze.”
In “The Church of Mercy” there is a lovely short passage to focus on:- “Let us also remember Peter: three times he denied Jesus, precisely when he should have been closest to him. And when he hits rock bottom, he meets the gaze of Jesus who patiently, wordlessly, says to him, “Peter, don’t be afraid of your weakness, trust in me.” Peter understands, he feels the loving gaze of Jesus, and he weeps. How beautiful is this gaze of Jesus- how much tenderness is there! Brothers and sisters, let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God!” – Pope Francis
Eye contact. Smile, please.
The Reflectionary 