The Realm of Other
“True progress happens when all of us are released from the realm of other.”
This sentiment stayed with me after reading Thomas Page McBee's article, "The Price of Trans Visibility." Thomas is a trans man, journalist and author of, “Amateur: A True Story of What Makes a Man.”
I'm stirred by the possibility and promise of this sentiment. It makes me feel hopeful at the end of a dark week in the US. It also calls me to action. I want the true progress Thomas talks about, so what to do? Feels complex, so I've decided to start simple:
Practice empathy for me. By getting present. What am I feeling? What am I needing? I lose track of this frequently.
Practice empathy for you. By listening hard. What are you feeling? What are you needing? All too often I assume I know (or turn away in fear).
I predict that creating this "we" circuitry in my brain won't be easy. My lizard brain can be hard to ignore, plus getting present and listening hard takes time, discipline and courage. But consistently practicing empathy - for myself and for you - should help reduce the emotional noise that erupts inside me when I encounter the unfamiliar. Which I'm thinking should then help me release you from the realm of "other" (going back to Thomas' words).
Will share more as I practice more. If you're on a similar path, be in touch. I'd enjoy exchanging experiences. :)
