A Small Moment of Essence

A Small Moment of Essence

From 'A Question of Presence', by Sergio Antonio

Recently I was the guest of students in another city for a weekend full of events: dinners, meetings, walks, visits to museums.

As soon as I arrived, a new student whom I barely knew approached me. I could see from her expression—eyes a little narrowed, a vertical line on her forehead—that some doubt was tormenting her.

"I would like to understand the difference between essence and personality," she told me.

I didn't want to give her a theoretical answer—almost all of us are full of theory, too much theory. Often, adding description to description doesn’t lead to understanding; indeed, in the absence of practical experience, it may only be confusing. I was sure that she had read about the subject; in all probability she already knew the definitions in the books.

"We’ll be together for two days," I replied. "Maybe we'll be able to see something in the moment."

A few hours later we had dinner. The student was very pleased to join the cook in preparing some elaborate regional dishes. There was a lot to do, but it was obvious that she was having a great time: not only because she enjoyed cooking, but because of the emotional exchange that came from working in harmony with others. From the other room, I heard her laughing joyfully from time to time.

When she sat down at the table she smiled; the vertical line on her forehead was gone. She said simply, "I'm very grateful to be here with you."

I didn't say anything in that moment. But the next morning I told her: "When you asked me the question in the morning you were in personality. When you sat down at the dinner table, in essence. Do you see it?”

She nodded without the need of any words. What personality was looking for with such concern, brooding and comparing, essence had found by exchanging methods on how to get the best flavor out of an eggplant.

Join the discussion

Image: Gerome, 'Child With a Mask'