"An eye can threaten like a loaded and levelled gun, or it can insult like hissing or kicking; or, in its altered mood, by beams of kindness, it can make the heart dance for joy. ... One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity." - Emerson
The Ventral Vagal circuit is the Social Engagement System and also called the Face-Heart connection - and for good reason. It's through this Social Engagement System of our Eyes, Ears, Voice, and Facial Movements that we connect, regulate and co-regulate.
Our eyes, voice, ears and movements of our head and face send and seek cues of welcome or warning. When we see a smiling face and sparkling eyes, the feedback from those cues is that we feel safer, calmer and better. The muscles of the face and head that produce our facial expressivity and intonation in our voice broadcast the vagal regulation to our heart.
People are always looking for face-to-face interaction and will look for welcome or warning in the spontaneous expressions of the upper part of the face, especially in the eyes, and the muscle around the eyes where the crow's feet or crinkles are. The obilcuaris oculi facial muscle (located around the eyes) is a direct reflection of the person's Social Engagement System.
EYES LOOKING LEFT:
Activates Memory. Looking to the left and down while talking signifies that the speaker is either recollecting facts. Looking at left and straight means the speaker is having a self-conversation before re-engaging in a debate or conversation.
EYES LOOKING RIGHT:
Activates Imagination. Looking to the right and down while speaking can signify self doubt, whereas looking right and straight/up can signify lying
GLANCING:
Glancing while looking sideways means either hearing certain sounds or interest in imagining a story. Many children have this look in their eyes when they are asked to write on an imaginary situation.
The Restore Method's Creativity guide has a fun practice to find out what happens to your Nervous System when someone else's eyes react in a certain way. It's pretty amazing how fast our body reacts to eye contact - good or bad!
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