"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." -Simone Weil
I heard these words spoken in the The Lost Daughter, Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut, which I watched last week. It was adapted from the novel by Elena Ferrante. I'm not sure how I feel about the film, but this quote stuck with me.
I'm not a person who requires a lot of attention. In fact, there are times when I absolutely abhor it. I was this way even in my youth. But I am human, and even those of us who are comfortable with shadow and solitude crave attention sometimes. To be noticed. To be seen. Especially during moments where I am sharing a sorrow or a dream. I am grateful when people offer me their attention, and most times I could do without it. But I hate those occasions when I do need it and have to ask for it. It's not wounded pride or bruised ego I feel, but sadness at having to request it.