Sympathy.

The word of the day smacked me over the head with its timing. We use the word so often it’s almost lost any meaning.

In deepest sympathy.

The words on every card to express what words can never fully capture.

But the word itself connotes much more than I realized. 

In trying to figure out my complicated feelings surrounding it, I did what I also do when I want answers- I googled it.

Syn- together, and pathos- feeling. The understanding, perception, and reaction to the distress of another life form. It involves a change in perspective from an individuals feeling to that of another in need. 

Sympathy can be painful, uplifting, and beautiful.

Sympathy is thought to be an evolutionary drive, our human need to live in societies, to help those deemed to be weaker, part of the way we can live together in relative harmony.

But when you experience it, none of that matters. We feel for another, 

we hurt for their hurt.

Sympathy reminds us that others suffer and have things much worse, and also can make us more grateful for our blessings.

Sympathy makes us human. 

Sympathy makes humans beautiful