What Avatar Reminded Me About Being Seen

The boys and I have been on an Avatar movie binge in the past week. It’s been lovely lounging with them in the cool of the air-conditioning during the heat of the afternoon.

Yesterday, we went to the movies to watch Avatar: Fire and Ash. It was exceptional, just like the first and second films. We really enjoyed it. Have you seen it? What did you think?

As I watched, something stirred within me again that I picked up in the first two.

The Na’vi way of saying “I see you.”
What it really means is I see into you.

When they say those words, really look into each other in that way, and do the hand gestures, my heart nearly bursts. Perhaps it’s because I’ve just finished writing a book about being seen? Maybe I’m dreaming about Sam Worthington looking at me like that? 😝

I know I’m very sentimental. But more than that, I think my body recognises the felt sense of it.

Is there anything more powerful?
More validating?
More relational at a soul level?

“To be seen is the felt sense of being acknowledged, validated, and understood for who you truly are, and feeling safe to be her.

In its most sincere form, offering someone that felt sense of I see you is one of the most powerful things we can give another human being.” - Me

I think being seen starts with seeing yourself first.
Offering yourself the safety in your nervous system that I see you provides.

As you ease into 2026, with all its possibility and allure, maybe before (or alongside) the question What do I want to achieve this year? you might ask yourself:

How can I see myself more this year?

Not visibility for visibility’s sake.
But recognising, acknowledging, and validating your true self for all that you are.

Lately, when I notice myself feeling unseen, I’ve been practising turning my attention back to where I do feel seen. Where I feel met by others. Where I see myself. Where I feel understood, even in tiny ways. It helps me to not linger too long in the absence, and feel gratitude for what is actually present.

That’s all I really want to say today, on this Friday 9 January, before the thought blends into the next movie we watch over the holidays.

You are worthy of being seen for who you are, not just the roles you play.

With love,
Benita ✨