Essence and Empathy
I read...A LOT.
My 8 year old self is shuddering at that phrase. As a matter of fact, so are my 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 year old selves! Reading is difficult for my poor little old lady eyes. I have to wear glasses ON TOP OF my contacts to see the words clearly. If it’s such an effortful process, why do I do it? Because reading offers the opportunity to see through someone else’s eyes. Hopefully ones that don’t require double magnification like mine. Reading allows the reader to, in a sense, adopt the perspective of the character or author.
So often, we shut out other people’s perspectives-consciously or unconsciously. We think that our reality is the only one that exists but science demonstrates that’s simply not true. I know, it’s awkward to comprehend but I’ll say it again:
Your reality is not the only one that exists.
I can say with full confidence that you and I have not lived the same life. Therefore, our brains do not perceive people, food, locations, interactions, music, color, body language, sports, art, tone of voice, stories, or anything else in the same way. If that’s not mind-boggling, I don’t know what is! The ‘boggle’ of this concept sparked my curiosity a few years ago. Specifically, a curiosity about the essence of others. I feel that each person’s distinct reality (internal world + life experience + perception + etc.) must be closely linked to their “X” Factor; their essence.
A person’s essence is defined in a few different ways. Apparently, philosophers and scientists can’t agree on a single definition. What a SHOCKER! Since there is still some wiggle room in the definition department, I have decided to create my own definition. Life experience & lots of study has lead me to this:
Essence is the unique, subconscious expression of life’s collected experiences, interpretations, and beliefs.
Your essence is a spectacular cacophony of the best and worst experiences life has offered. Love and betrayal. Growth and trauma. Dedication and indifference. Optimism and fear. The wholeness of your essence accrues over time based on an entire life’s worth of experiences. The interpretation of these experiences is ultimately expressed through observable and palpable subtleties in your character called essence. I hope that made a little bit of sense. Luckily my description is far simpler:
Essence is observable but incomprehensible.
You are an intriguing riddle that no one will ever fully decipher. The world can observe your interactions, your personality, and may become familiar with your quirks, but the essence of you is yours & yours alone.
Now I’ll tell you why I actually enjoy reading. It’s because as I read,
I get to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
I get to experience their essence developing firsthand.
I get to practice understanding a character’s life circumstances and response to obstacles.
I get to observe someone else’s reality.
I get to cultivate empathy.
xoxo,
g
Read Aloud | Essence and Empathy
(p.s. At first, I accidentally wrote ‘gogo’ instead of ‘xoxo’. I kind of like that! Should I start signing my work as “Gogo”? Because I really only mean the o’s (hugs) of ‘xoxo’ anyway. Love y’all but you ain’t getting any x’s, (kisses).
