What a fabulous, in-depth look not just at loss, but at relationships on a whole. Loved the exploration of relationships as the exchange of self between two people, and all the implications. "Through shared experiences, we construct joint realities, a shared narrative of life, love, and existence." — This is so profound, so special, and so exciting.
I find it interesting that while it might not have been the intention, there's so much in this that sheds light on why people find it so difficult to disengage from dysfunctional relationships/families/communities. An outsider will say "just detach yourself," but it's hard to detach yourself when "the boundaries between 'self' and 'other' begin to blur" and someone has no concept of existence outside that joint reality; and their sense of identity has been molded by, and is intertwined with, that dysfunctional reality.
There's so much in this piece to reflect on, it's definitely an article to read and re-read, slowly.
"When someone we love dies...the significance of the moments we shared with them also fades...and along with it, the part of us that lived within those moments." What an insightful and revealing refection on why we feel such a sense of emptiness after the loss of a loved one. Thank you for this Brian. Extremely helpful.
What a fabulous, in-depth look not just at loss, but at relationships on a whole. Loved the exploration of relationships as the exchange of self between two people, and all the implications. "Through shared experiences, we construct joint realities, a shared narrative of life, love, and existence." — This is so profound, so special, and so exciting.
I find it interesting that while it might not have been the intention, there's so much in this that sheds light on why people find it so difficult to disengage from dysfunctional relationships/families/communities. An outsider will say "just detach yourself," but it's hard to detach yourself when "the boundaries between 'self' and 'other' begin to blur" and someone has no concept of existence outside that joint reality; and their sense of identity has been molded by, and is intertwined with, that dysfunctional reality.
There's so much in this piece to reflect on, it's definitely an article to read and re-read, slowly.
"When someone we love dies...the significance of the moments we shared with them also fades...and along with it, the part of us that lived within those moments." What an insightful and revealing refection on why we feel such a sense of emptiness after the loss of a loved one. Thank you for this Brian. Extremely helpful.
Loved it, Brian. You have captured the essence of loss beautifully.