The “white blindness” or the “tough skin” we call selfishness is, unfortunately, not just a reality from Saramago’s world. It lurks within each of us, at least in potential, ready to become evident and overwhelmingly vast in the blink of an eye, with all due apologies for the pun. Thus, if we feed the dark side of the heart, our eyes will cease to see beyond the confines of our own ego or navel.

In our daily lives, this dormant selfishness can awaken at the slightest provocation, shading our vision and narrowing our world. It thrives on neglecting empathy, growing stronger with each act of self-centeredness. Just as a fleeting moment can turn the light of compassion into the shadow of indifference, it is our duty to resist this pull towards self-absorption.

We must strive to keep our hearts open, to see beyond ourselves, and to nourish the seeds of kindness and understanding within. By doing so, we can prevent our inner light from dimming and ensure that our vision remains clear, embracing the world with an empathetic gaze.

Let’s commit to watering the flowers of compassion in our hearts, allowing them to bloom and illuminate the darkness, ensuring our eyes see beyond our own selves and towards the shared humanity around us. 🙏🏾🌸

©️ Beatriz Esmer