I love where you’re taking this idea, Jess, and that you are leading with curiosity while leaving your preconceived notions and assumptions behind. Harder than it sounds, but transformative in terms of how we see the world. Or … so I’ve been told.
I had to look up the etymology of the word “fascinate.” There are some pretty funny associations with a phallic charm meant to ward off curses. (What?!?) But I love this from etymonline:
1590s, "bewitch, enchant," from French fasciner (14c.), from Latin fascinatus, past participle of fascinare "bewitch, enchant, fascinate," said in Watkins to be from fascinum, fascinus "a charm, enchantment, spell, witchcraft," which is of uncertain origin.
It’s so magical!!
I am fascinated by many things, including certain performers, good stories, beautiful art, and so forth. I feel that experiencing such things does feel like being under a spell.
But I think the things I find most fascinating come from the natural world … like the birds I wrote about in the piece I published today. I could fave watched them for hours, and it would have felt like no time at all.
This is so fun! “Bewitch, enchant…” YES! That’s exactly what I mean about exploring the meaning of a word that we’ve basically boxed into a tiny corner of our consciousness. Let’s explode “fascination” and see what all falls out. Thank you for this addition to my own definition…it fits perfectly. The pictures from your post this morning illustrate why the birds were so fascinating. Their expressions, their attention, their grace. While I have never considered becoming a bird watcher, I can absolutely lose time sitting on my back deck in the Fall listening to the rustle of the leaves and wondering what is out there. I want to capture that feeling and draw it out when I talk to people. I feel like if I felt more fascination there, what I could return to them might actually make a difference.
Oh, I so love this piece, Jess! It reminds me of deep listening and the space that is created by silence and listening to another human on that level which is more like being in another realm. My most recent experience of being fascinated feels more like falling in love; falling in love with how we, as humans, change and what goes on in the brain when we change. The reason I say "falling in love" rather than siting one experience is it's more of a relationship I am cultivating over time - over the last year - in my work as an integrative hypnosis practitioner. Bravo to bravery, and cheers to exploration! xx 💗
I'm more fascinated by animals than people. People oftentimes disappoint me, although I know many who are kind and good-hearted.
My most recent experience with being fascinated is when I create art, which is every week. Art never gets boring for me and it keeps me away -- at least temporarily -- from negative thoughts , for example, our newfound Nazi regime.
And, of course, I hit Post too soon. 🤪 Isn’t it something when we surprise fascinate ourselves, especially with our own work. I think that’s one of the coolest things about creating art, and I’m so glad you’ve found that too!
I TOTALLY get being fascinated by animals. I find myself just watching my dogs and desperately wanting to know what they’re thinking. That said, there’s something fascinating about disappointment as well, albeit with a less positive outcome.
Was that me you were quoting at the top of the post? If so, guilty as charged. 😊 There is always something about a person that opens my curiosity. What drives them? What brought them to believe as they do? What is most important in their lives and why. What brings them joy and why? (I do love questions!) I can fundamentally disagree with someone, but I can still be curious and fascinated by how they got to be the person they became.
I look forward to reading where your curiosity leads you as your Substack continues to evolve. Very exciting! 💝
Gotta admit, I did think of you when I wrote that. 😜 Although, having taken some time to be fascinated by you, I recognize the authenticity when it comes from you. It’s a shift for me, and that always leads to growth of some sort, even if its messy.
I am honored to have been a part of your thought process. ☺️ I’m so happy you mentioned authenticity. I believe it to be a critical component in all meaningful interactions. We always know when someone tries to fake it, but still some try.
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Maya Angelou. A lesson I've had to learn over and over. I'm more trusting of that wisdom than I ever was.
I love the word "fascinate." It goes with being a curious person. But in the case of the current state of affairs we find ourselves in, I'm not fascinated as much as dumbfounded or speechless at the blatant cruelty that has escorted this change of tide. Fascinated? I guess, that too, but it feels closer to astounded rubbernecking a horrific accident. I'm fascinated that so many people find it so easy to hate others for holding beliefs they don't share. Or religion, or sexuality, or gender or skin color. Fascinating. I'm fascinated that people are opting to recreate a fascist regime and actually think that's okay.
I'm excited for you about the both/and exploration. I'm in a similar place. I think shifting gears is appropriate, especially now. I think many of us are looking at that, and how to show up differently in response to the ongoing assaults we're witnessing. xo
I certainly agree that dumbfounded, speechless, and astonishment fit for some of the beliefs and actions I have come across, but I’m also playing with the idea that maintaining a position of fascination gives me the space to hear them, even if I categorically disagree with them. I think that’s important, now more than ever. I used to hate an and/both but I see the positive impact of an additive mindset now, and I love that so many of us are taking that approach, you included!
Yes. I love both/and. But it doesn't mean that I like what's happening. I do want to understand the mindset of the MAGA folk, especially that part of their brain that thinks it's acceptable to murder people in the streets, immigrant or citizen without pause. Don't get it and it will never be acceptable. I'm going to stop now, because I feel a spin coming on! xo
Maybe that’s why fascination feels like a fit here. I whirl when I’m fascinated, even if its in anger. But that makes me curious enough to try and figure it out. Some mentalities are just straight selfish, small-minded, or hate-filled, and I don’t need to spend much time there to know that. I believe the Universe is fair, so those folks will get to meet their fair. I’m fascinated by those who are good people, who are still walking hand in hand with those who are not. That’s fascinating to me.
I'm not sure I believe the Universe is fair. I think the Universe is mostly neutral and maybe a little fascinated by what a bunch of lunkheads some of us are. xo
Oh, you're talking about a long game? Got it. I'm still not sure. Where's the Universe stand on the Holocaust, ICE, Trump, Epstein, The "Holy" Roman Empire?, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Russia. Haven't seen much evidence of fair. And that word, "fair"? All it brings up for me if my little girl self, who saw injustice everywhere, and fought for fairness. Fairness and my parents didn't seem to give a darn about my opinions. xo
I love where you’re taking this idea, Jess, and that you are leading with curiosity while leaving your preconceived notions and assumptions behind. Harder than it sounds, but transformative in terms of how we see the world. Or … so I’ve been told.
I had to look up the etymology of the word “fascinate.” There are some pretty funny associations with a phallic charm meant to ward off curses. (What?!?) But I love this from etymonline:
1590s, "bewitch, enchant," from French fasciner (14c.), from Latin fascinatus, past participle of fascinare "bewitch, enchant, fascinate," said in Watkins to be from fascinum, fascinus "a charm, enchantment, spell, witchcraft," which is of uncertain origin.
It’s so magical!!
I am fascinated by many things, including certain performers, good stories, beautiful art, and so forth. I feel that experiencing such things does feel like being under a spell.
But I think the things I find most fascinating come from the natural world … like the birds I wrote about in the piece I published today. I could fave watched them for hours, and it would have felt like no time at all.
This is so fun! “Bewitch, enchant…” YES! That’s exactly what I mean about exploring the meaning of a word that we’ve basically boxed into a tiny corner of our consciousness. Let’s explode “fascination” and see what all falls out. Thank you for this addition to my own definition…it fits perfectly. The pictures from your post this morning illustrate why the birds were so fascinating. Their expressions, their attention, their grace. While I have never considered becoming a bird watcher, I can absolutely lose time sitting on my back deck in the Fall listening to the rustle of the leaves and wondering what is out there. I want to capture that feeling and draw it out when I talk to people. I feel like if I felt more fascination there, what I could return to them might actually make a difference.
Oh, I so love this piece, Jess! It reminds me of deep listening and the space that is created by silence and listening to another human on that level which is more like being in another realm. My most recent experience of being fascinated feels more like falling in love; falling in love with how we, as humans, change and what goes on in the brain when we change. The reason I say "falling in love" rather than siting one experience is it's more of a relationship I am cultivating over time - over the last year - in my work as an integrative hypnosis practitioner. Bravo to bravery, and cheers to exploration! xx 💗
Oooh, I love a falling in love that’s bigger than one person and as magnanimous as brain change. Now that is fascinating!
Hi Jess,
I'm more fascinated by animals than people. People oftentimes disappoint me, although I know many who are kind and good-hearted.
My most recent experience with being fascinated is when I create art, which is every week. Art never gets boring for me and it keeps me away -- at least temporarily -- from negative thoughts , for example, our newfound Nazi regime.
Thank you for a thought-provoking essay.
And, of course, I hit Post too soon. 🤪 Isn’t it something when we surprise fascinate ourselves, especially with our own work. I think that’s one of the coolest things about creating art, and I’m so glad you’ve found that too!
I TOTALLY get being fascinated by animals. I find myself just watching my dogs and desperately wanting to know what they’re thinking. That said, there’s something fascinating about disappointment as well, albeit with a less positive outcome.
Was that me you were quoting at the top of the post? If so, guilty as charged. 😊 There is always something about a person that opens my curiosity. What drives them? What brought them to believe as they do? What is most important in their lives and why. What brings them joy and why? (I do love questions!) I can fundamentally disagree with someone, but I can still be curious and fascinated by how they got to be the person they became.
I look forward to reading where your curiosity leads you as your Substack continues to evolve. Very exciting! 💝
Gotta admit, I did think of you when I wrote that. 😜 Although, having taken some time to be fascinated by you, I recognize the authenticity when it comes from you. It’s a shift for me, and that always leads to growth of some sort, even if its messy.
I am honored to have been a part of your thought process. ☺️ I’m so happy you mentioned authenticity. I believe it to be a critical component in all meaningful interactions. We always know when someone tries to fake it, but still some try.
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Maya Angelou. A lesson I've had to learn over and over. I'm more trusting of that wisdom than I ever was.
I love the word "fascinate." It goes with being a curious person. But in the case of the current state of affairs we find ourselves in, I'm not fascinated as much as dumbfounded or speechless at the blatant cruelty that has escorted this change of tide. Fascinated? I guess, that too, but it feels closer to astounded rubbernecking a horrific accident. I'm fascinated that so many people find it so easy to hate others for holding beliefs they don't share. Or religion, or sexuality, or gender or skin color. Fascinating. I'm fascinated that people are opting to recreate a fascist regime and actually think that's okay.
I'm excited for you about the both/and exploration. I'm in a similar place. I think shifting gears is appropriate, especially now. I think many of us are looking at that, and how to show up differently in response to the ongoing assaults we're witnessing. xo
I certainly agree that dumbfounded, speechless, and astonishment fit for some of the beliefs and actions I have come across, but I’m also playing with the idea that maintaining a position of fascination gives me the space to hear them, even if I categorically disagree with them. I think that’s important, now more than ever. I used to hate an and/both but I see the positive impact of an additive mindset now, and I love that so many of us are taking that approach, you included!
Yes. I love both/and. But it doesn't mean that I like what's happening. I do want to understand the mindset of the MAGA folk, especially that part of their brain that thinks it's acceptable to murder people in the streets, immigrant or citizen without pause. Don't get it and it will never be acceptable. I'm going to stop now, because I feel a spin coming on! xo
Maybe that’s why fascination feels like a fit here. I whirl when I’m fascinated, even if its in anger. But that makes me curious enough to try and figure it out. Some mentalities are just straight selfish, small-minded, or hate-filled, and I don’t need to spend much time there to know that. I believe the Universe is fair, so those folks will get to meet their fair. I’m fascinated by those who are good people, who are still walking hand in hand with those who are not. That’s fascinating to me.
I'm not sure I believe the Universe is fair. I think the Universe is mostly neutral and maybe a little fascinated by what a bunch of lunkheads some of us are. xo
Fair. I guess I’ve just seen too many times when the universe is long-term fair. It takes years sometimes, but it always seems to pan out.
Oh, you're talking about a long game? Got it. I'm still not sure. Where's the Universe stand on the Holocaust, ICE, Trump, Epstein, The "Holy" Roman Empire?, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Russia. Haven't seen much evidence of fair. And that word, "fair"? All it brings up for me if my little girl self, who saw injustice everywhere, and fought for fairness. Fairness and my parents didn't seem to give a darn about my opinions. xo