Empathy is putting yourself in the shoes of another. It is feeling what they feel and understanding their experience.
It is putting aside your viewpoint and trying to see things from the other person's point of view.
It is validating the other person's experience without trying to critique or change it.
It requires that you examine your own attitude and that you listen to the other person with an open mind.
It is asking what the other person would do rather than just telling them what you would do.
And, like any ability, it gets better with practice.
Compassion is the feeling you have when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel motivated to relive the other's suffering. Empathy plus compassion lead to true acts of kindness. The other person feels valued and empowered.
Practice your empathy and compassion with the people around you. Take time to listen to their needs, follow the formula for empathy above and watch how relationships change. Start small, hear out your child's complaints. See things from their perspective. Ask what they want to do and support them in finding solutions.
There is no end of possiblities for practicing empathy. Homelessness, poverty, chronic illness, fearfulness, are to be found everywhere when you look. Make a decision to act in true kindness.
Share your experiences with other readers on the blog. Support each other in practicing empathy, compassion, and true acts of kindness.
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