“Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being’s suffering. Not a career, wealth, or intelligence. Certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we are going to survive with dignity.”
Audrey Hepburn
Some say that empathy comes when you have more experience. I have come to understand that it is not only an inherent trait in many but, it can be taught as well.
Definition:
According to Wikipedia, empathy is, “the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another’s position.” It is the ability to identify with the suffering of another. To feel empathy is not necessarily to share the same experiences or circumstances as others. Rather, empathy is an attempt to better understand the other person by getting to know their perspective.
types:
There are several different types of empathy. Cognitive is the form in which you try to place yourself in someone else’s shoes. That way you can literally see what they see and feel what they feel. Other types are social, emotional, and empathetic concern; compassion is the strong trait of the last.
differences between empathy and sympathy:
Sympathy is feeling compassion, sorrow, or pity for the hardship that another person encounters. Empathy is putting yourself in the shoes of another.
Benefits:
Those that are empathetic can form and sustain friendships, are more likely to behave well in social situations, and are less likely to engage in anti-social behavior. If you desire to reduce stress, be resilient, grow personally, learn, be creative, and form nourishing connections; practice empathy.
how to become someone who empathizes with others:
- Put aside your viewpoints and try to see things from the other person’s point of view.
- Validate the other person’s perspective.
- Examine your attitude.
- Pay attention to body language.
- Listen – take the time to actively listen.
- Allow for silence.
- Refrain from solutions. Ask what the other person would do.
it can be taught:
Medical training can actively diminish empathy, but physicians can be taught to be more empathetic to their patients. They undergo training to recognize what a compassionate phrase might be in order to build trust; Something like, “I understand how you feel.” On the list of steps to take in order to learn empathy include:
- Meet their needs
- Lead by example
- Find common ground
- Practice changing roles and perspectives
- Make faces
- Foster a happy environment
conclusion
No truer words have ever been spoken than those from the lips of Audrey Hepburn. We must have trust with others and deep connections that grow from the foundation of compassion and respect.