It's a simple gesture, really. The slight wave of a hand; the gentle nod of the head; the second-nature brush of fingers on the brim of a hat or cap. Simple gestures that tell someone -- even someone you don't know -- that they are noticed.

In today's world -- our "gotta get there now 'cause I gotta get me mine before someone else gets there and gets their's" society -- something as simple as a nod or a wave or a cordial "How do you do?" goes a long way.

This simple gesture can give the recipient the feeling of belonging; a sense of being a part of something bigger than themselves. It can be, for lack of another word, a moment of communion between the one who initiates the casual contact and the one who receives it, though words are never spoken.

You see, with this type of communication, words are not necessary. The message comes across loud and clear. It says "You are worthy of notice" or "I hope all is well with you" or "Have a great day." It can be, for some, an unseen embrace offering support and comfort.

That wave, or nod, or "How do you do?" can mean so many things.

Yet, I see many folks who just walk on by, who quickly look away when eye contact is initiated. And I wonder what they're thinking.

I wonder what goes through their minds in that split second when eyes meet, before they look away from your greeting; before they walk past without a wave or a nod or a "How do you do?". Why does their gaze fall away, their glance hit the ground as they slip past?

Are they afraid to make that contact? Are they remembering times in the past when such contact brought pain? Are they afraid to open their minds to the possibility of friendship? Are they worried that the one offering the gesture may ask something from them they are not willing or ready to give? Maybe they read too much into such a simple gesture. Maybe, in the recesses of their minds, they make the whole thing much more complicated than it really is.

After all, it's a simple gesture, really. The slight wave of a hand; the gentle nod of the head; the second-nature brush of fingers on the brim of a hat or cap. Simple gestures that tell someone -- even someone you don't know -- that they are noticed.