"Only needed a light " , by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas. x

If something is freaking out people it is very often the slippery slope between words and meaning, between what is said and what is understood.

When words remain unspoken and emotions are left unexpressed, just a sparkle in the eyes of otherness can inflame the mind and rouse a shower of empathy.

A conniving twinkle or an impelling glitter in the eyes can turn into a glow that takes people to the magic of life.

In a time of communal disintegration, people suffer from social deafness. Their redoubtable "tin ear" causes an emotional insensitivity that makes it difficult to recognize any signs of empathy or capture the slightest vibrant qualities of 'sharing,' sharing with others.

When we feel related to our environment, we can develop and improve the quality of our involvement since connectedness and concern are remedies against ignorance and envy.

As many intend to find some relief from their discomfort and lack of social "sharedness," they remain glued to their smartphones and addict to the illusionary avalanche of images and sounds.

While we are threading our way through the vagaries of life, our shortage of reciprocity and solidarity may corner us into breaches of culpability. We can eschew this and kindle a dream of universalism that does not impose itself but emerges from the world's numerous cultural and topical particularities and enable us to compare, discern, and identify, allowing us to marvel at the diversity. In this way, we can embrace universal recognition, human understanding, peace of mind, and compassion with others and with ourselves.

Phenomenon: Connectedness and empathy

Factual starting point: Match and matchbox