Wear your feelings

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There is a group of German speakers which meets regularly under a large tent in Fearrington Village. Though I am seated at a different table, I catch snatches of the foreign language drifting on the breeze. I love to learn new words in different tongues. Foreign languages can help us understand our own experiences in a new way.

A few German words have come to mind after the recent national elections. Weltschmerz means “world pain” and refers to a weariness about the problems in larger society. It is a feeling of helplessness that the state of things is beyond repair and only getting worse. If you think our democracy is soon to collapse, du hast Weltschmerz.

In the larger culture, I also see evidence of schadenfreude — joy in another’s pain or misfortune. Winners may gloat and preen, but schadenfreude is focused on mocking the losers. It seems many people find this feeling attractive. If schadenfreude were clothing, it would be a sexy, strapless number or a finely tailored suit. You strut in it, thinking you look sophisticated, chic and urbane.

But wait a minute! Upon closer inspection, you realize there is a coffee stain down the front! Also, a button is missing and a seam unraveling. Even worse, the material is scratchy. It irritates your skin. The more you wear schadenfreude, the more uncomfortable you feel. Finally, you look in the mirror and, if you’re honest, you look disheveled. Decidedly unhip. Almost pitiable.

Long ago, a writer invited people to clothe themselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Instead of fancy or trendy outfits, maybe these virtues are more like an old pair of jeans. Not the kind that have been pre-ripped to look cool, but pants that have been torn from volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or have grass stains from mowing an elderly neighbor’s yard. These jeans are the opposite of sophistication, yet they make you feel good. What’s a better word to describe this feeling?

I cannot find an adequate antonym for schadenfreude. (Not to cast judgment on Germans; I am by no means fluent.) However, the Sanskrit word “mudita” is translated by a Buddhist friend to mean “sympathetic joy.” It means to delight in the success of others.

You do not wear your old mudita jeans to try and impress anyone. You do not even think about yourself. It is a gorgeous Saturday and the kids in the neighborhood want you to throw batting practice. One child steps up to the plate holding the bat upside down. You quietly correct the grip and give words of encouragement. Then, this kid hits one over your head and your heart soars! By any name, this feeling looks good on you.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church. His newly-published book is a collection of his columns for the Chatham News + Record titled “Hope Matters: Churchless Sermons.”