Void
A chronic, existential absence of meaning — distinguished from Emptiness by having no proximate cause and no clear endpoint.
How it shows up
Void describes a deep, lasting absence of meaning that does not seem to trace back to any particular event and has no obvious end in sight. People may describe going through the motions while feeling nothing underneath, or a hollow at the center of things. It can be distressing and isolating, and it is not a failure of character. Its chronic, causeless quality is what separates it from post-event emptiness.
How it differs from Emptiness
Emptiness usually follows something and passes; void is a chronic absence of meaning with no clear cause and no clear endpoint.
Notice
If void feels present, notice whether anything at all, however small, still registers as texture or contrast.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, stomach and whole body.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.