DEFINITION

Empathy allows individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. It is the ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes, to feel what they feel, and to understand their perspective. Empathy is a conscious effort and asks us to put ourselves back, to not mix our own experiences and knowledge into the situation. Instead we aim to clearly see what the other person, sees, experiences, thinks and senses.

RELEVANCE

One of the key benefits of empathy is that it fosters stronger, healthier relationships with others. When we are empathic, we are better able to communicate with others, understand their needs and motivations, and respond to them in a way that is compassionate and supportive. This can lead to deeper connections with others, increased trust, and overall stronger social bonds.

In addition, being empathic can also help to reduce conflicts and promote harmony in social interactions. When we are able to see things from another person’s perspective, we are more likely to find common ground and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. This can be particularly important in situations where there are differing opinions or beliefs, as empathy allows us to bridge the gap between individuals and find ways to understand and respect each other’s viewpoints.

Empathy is also crucial for fostering a sense of community and belonging. When we are able to empathize with others, we are more likely to feel connected to them and to the larger social group. This sense of belonging can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, as it provides us with a support system and a sense of identity and purpose.

HOW TO BE

First and foremost, it is important to actively listen to others and to pay attention to their verbal and nonverbal cues. This means being present in the moment, putting aside distractions, and truly focusing on what the other person is saying and feeling.

Second, it is important to practice perspective-taking. This involves putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and trying to understand their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This can be challenging at times, especially when we have differing opinions or beliefs, but it is crucial for developing empathy and building stronger relationships.

Third, it is important to show compassion and kindness towards others. This means being understanding, supportive, and nonjudgmental, even when we may not agree with someone’s actions or beliefs. By demonstrating empathy and compassion, we can create a more positive and inclusive social environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.

THOUGHTS

I once had a discussion with someone else on why empathy is important. The argument was, that we should not make ourselves understand the other person fully as this will a) corrupt our own understanding of the reality and b) hurts ourselves as some experiences are emotionally painful.

One thing the person was true about: we should protect our own boundaries and how far we can go when trying to understand someone else. However, being empathetic is not about making someone else’s experience ours. It is about understanding them better, about being able to support them better. And about connecting on a deeper level. The contrary would leave us disconnected to the person.

Being empathic does neither mean to let go of my own experience of a situation but instead it is a way to see more and see clearer. To enrich my understanding of the situation and build a bridge towards the understanding of my vis-a-vis.