Yesterday I was reminded of your empathy.
I don’t expect to ever be able to write about that. Timothy Leary famously said: “Words are the freezing of reality.” I can’t write about my experience being impressed by your empathy. Neither my impressions nor your empathy, can be frozen into stones.
When I drive past a panhandler I always notice their shoes. I never give to people wearing nice shoes. I also avoid workmen who drive new trucks. Evidence of someone’s reality falls victim to prejudice and bias.
In ordinary conversation we describe our reality. We describe events, people and things. Without these descriptions we can’t exchange ideas. Mr. Leary’s famous quote implies our descriptions impose stasis. To me, that begs the question, “Does reality change?”
Exploring such rabbit holes has some entertainment value. But I think it’s often better to simply acknowledge them with a nod, and keep walking by.
I’m among those who can be troubled by problems I can’t solve. Realizing that I have a choice – is my parachute. I can’t change how I feel but I can choose how I respond.
When I hear you describe feelings from empathy, either joy or sorrow, I deploy the parachute of “presence.”
I’m here for you.