Shining Eyes: A New Discovery, and Something to Seek

Last night my husband Tim and I attended the Rising Stars Gala for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. To kick off the night’s program, we watched a video of the conductor, Ben Zander, explaining what ‘shining eyes’ means to him and what they might mean to us.

Zander says, “My job is to awaken possibility in other people. If their eyes are shining, you know you’re doing it.”

Having shining eyes isn’t just about physical appearance; it’s also a metaphor for being full of life, energy, and passion. It can mean somebody is excited, interested, and engaged in something so much so that they have an enthusiasm and optimism that radiates outwards.

The term also suggests achieving a state where you feel filled with possibility. You’re in a state of wide-openness! You see beyond the obstacles in your path and toward a higher state of being.

It can also be used to describe someone who has had a positive transformation or breakthrough of some kind and is shining brighter than before. So, if you see somebody with shining eyes, it’s likely they’ve just had a great experience or is feeling incredibly inspired.

At its core, having shining eyes is about shining from within — emanating positivity and joy for all to see — and can have an incredibly uplifting effect on those around you.

How can we make ‘shining eyes’ part of our daily life?

Now that you know what shining eyes mean, take a moment to see what makes yours radiate? Focus on something that makes you happy — whether it’s watching a funny movie, taking a walk through a park outside, or having a meaningful conversation with a friend. And take the time to really appreciate the things that bring out this state of joy within you.

Try to find time each day to do the one thing that makes you feel the most alive.

And see that ‘shining eyes’ are a reflection of our inner, most beautiful selves radiating forth.

So, what do you think? Let’s make a plan in the comments below.