Shifting from Surreal
A simple reflection on the senselessness of tragedy
The tangible feeling of surreal occurs when your understanding of reality is confronted by strong proof that the world is not what it seems. It leaves you questioning what you know and belief. It leaves you wondering where to turn for truth.
It frightfully considers if truth is a myth.
The feeling of surreal doesn’t drift away as you go back to “normal” activity. You might get distracted from your confusion for a few moments — caught up in a conversation, or a sitcom, or meeting a deadline at work. But as soon as the distraction fades, you find yourself sliding back to your thoughts, your questions, your fears.
Surreal is a dust that settles in your brain, creating a foggy filter through which you peer, trying to recognize even the most familiar of your surroundings.
Yes, this is my desk.
Yes, this is my office.
No, I didn’t forget anything.
No, I didn’t drive to the wrong place.
I belong here.
But it is not the same.
There is a haze in front of your eyes. You don’t understand how anyone in this world could hold so much hate. You don’t understand why anyone in this world feels so extreme. You wonder why people don’t want to get along.
Some people, you remind yourself.
Few people.
This does not have to be the world in which we live.
Lots of people love.
Lots of people care.
If we stoop to the low levels of extremism, they win. If we stand together high above the chaos, we win. Now is the time to find our balance. Now is the time to look for the good in others. Now is the time to seek to understand and renew the power of compromise. Now is the time to turn this lost surreal feeling into steadfast resolve for a better tomorrow.
