You are viewing a single comment's thread from:
RE: Souvenirs of the Dead
I wonder why that would be so... Catharsis is one thing but, once we experience real tragedy in life, we do not long for more sadness (unless, of course, one is clinically depressed...)
Wishing you more happy stories, and the appetite to enjoy them, even seek them out.
I wonder if "catharsis" fits when it is someone else's tragedy you are enjoying.
I think it's related to my reduced emotional spectrum, especially in the past, where I'd be able to feel deep grief, and joy over things, but not happiness or sadness. And that I cherished the feeling of sadness media could give me, because nothing else could. And you know, we're all junkies for feeling, until we feel too much.
And I nurtured those choking moments, and over time, I widened my emotional spectrum again. Tearing up, feeling sadness, they came easier over time. But since I think a big goal and role of art is to make us feel, then something that can make me feel so strongly I tear up or shed tears? That's something I appreciate, and look out for.
But no, I'm not looking for those feelings outside of media :D
As for happy stories, thank you for the wish. I think it's easier to do happy stories? I feel it's much harder to do sad stories that actually hit home rather than feel fake, to me.
Well it’s not healthy, to say the least, to enjoy another’s tragedy...
But, I think I know what you mean about reduced emotional spectrum.
My advice (if you’re looking for it, by laying such intimacies bare) is to think less of yourself, and more of others.
Because, if we are really open and involved in the life of others - if we can imagine their suffering - we are less likely to be self-absorbed/indulgent.
I mean, one could be griping about their lack of sleep, for example, to someone with a hole in their heart (literally or metaphorically). Yet, because they are always speaking to themselves, outloud, they are not available to overhear another.
Be well, Guy, and try (if at all possible) not to monitor yourself too closely & scratch every passing itch, when there are gaping wounds out there in our world.