Why EMPATHY?

Empathy, the art of understanding someone else’s thoughts or feelings, isn’t just a skill; it’s a transformative force. Picture it as stepping into another’s shoes, seeing the world through their eyes. Surprisingly, the term “empathy” is relatively young, coined around 150 years ago, inspired by the German Einfühlung, rooted in Greek “empatheia”, tied to art theory.

Why is empathy a big deal? Well, it’s the glue in relationships and the key to compassionate actions. In workplaces, friendships, and daily interactions, empathy is the bridge connecting us. It’s the universal need to be heard and understood. And its absence can lead to a life of turmoil with some psychiatric conditions, fueling mistreatment and fostering inequality.

Empathy isn’t just feeling what others feel; it’s about understanding their thoughts and motivations. It’s seeing the person beyond stereotypes and acknowledging diversity. There are idioms urging us to “see the world through someone else’s eyes” or “walk a mile in their shoes,” emphasizing the importance of understanding others’ experiences.

But how do we nurture empathy? 

Simply by looking beyond ourselves, taking an interest in people with their diverse backgrounds and unique experiences. It is a subtle journey from understanding to connection, fostering a world where differences are celebrated, not shunned. Actively listening, respecting individuality over stereotypes, finding common ground –  are few ways to start as they are known to be empathy builders. 

Sometimes it will fit and other times it might not but who knows you might actually find it liberating to walk a mile in another person’s shoes.