Escapism & Counteracting Neuroticism

Escapism

noun

The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.

Do we escape because we can’t face harsh realities or because we are trying to add meaning to our lives?

I am particularly interested in escaping through beauty, art, fantasy, nature and imagination.

Escapism helps to counteract or at least deal with the suffering one may face on a daily or frequent basis, especially if you are neurotic, introverted, deal with a mental or physical illness.

Except for those who are closest to us, escapism may be the best thing there is in life.

I’ve been searching for a reason as to why many of us need to escape from the harsh realities of life and I think it comes down to the fact that humans need to feel some kind of appreciation for life to avoid the destruction of our kind. Depression is a threat to our existence and more prone in those who have high levels of neuroticism.

Art, nature, music and all the things we might find beautiful might just seem like a distraction. Yet, aren’t they really some of the most important aspects of our life?

We don’t give enough thanks to those that create these beautiful things or preserve them. These things that give us so much pleasure should be protected, appreciated, cherished, nurtured and loved.

We often connect through these more than we connect through our suffering. As we all suffer to some extent, we can all enjoy the relief that these things bring us.

These things are essential for not only our wellbeing, but our entire existence.