Empathy – A glimpse into your Inner Divine.

In today’s fast-paced world where everything is just swirling around, people rarely have time to smell the roses. Empathy is a lost noun. It is just to be found in soap operas or movies.

Even though AI is yet to rise, We humans have already started mimicking them!

Sometimes I wonder, the animal kingdom seems to have more empathy.

Probably because they do not have a rational mind, all thanks to the Human Ego.

Have we humans really forgotten that Empathy is our USP? It is the very thing that makes us human!

What is Empathy?

Empathy is a deep resonance for others’ emotions and feelings even if we may have not fully experienced them. It is stepping into others’ shoes. It is the art of embodying else’s feelings as our very own and taking tangible or intangible actions to make a difference in their life. With acts of kindness.

It is considering others’ feelings & emotions as valid and accepting them. Rather than just shunning them off.

Empathy is not Sympathy or Pity. Though they may sound like they are very different.

Empathy is understanding others’ feelings & emotions whereas Sympathy is having compassion for them.

Eg. When someone loses a loved one you have Sympathy. You feel bad for them & show compassion. But when that person who seemed to have lost a loved one happens to be a parent that you too did lose, you develop empathy. Because now you actually understand what it is like to live without a parent. What it truly feels like.

Luckily, we all have empathy to some degree. It is something we are all born with. It is due to some of life’s unfortunate events that make us act otherwise. As if it’s something supernatural to have it or a natural character trait that an enlightened being can only possess. But if you really think so then think it like that, Empathy can be learnt like any other skill, provided you really want to.

According to the latest research, 98% of people have the ability to empathise with people.

Empathy – The need of the Hour.

Life without empathy is meaningless. It is like a barren land. Where the land is no longer fertile to produce anything. And where only weeds can grow.

Weeds of hatred, jealousy, indifference and discord occur. Which leaves no room for love, understanding and compassion.

Believe it or not, lack of Empathy is one of the reasons for the upsurge in mental health issues, especially Depression.

In fact, Empathy is an important tool in the prevention of suicide.

Empathy is a core ingredient that is missing in today’s world. One that we are in dire need of.

It acts as a glue to connect individuals and make meaningful bonds.

Though most of us have Empathy, we no longer think it is a necessity. We are so hyper-attuned in living a highly independent life that we forget the fact that everything in nature is interdependent.

We all have needs and we are highly dependent on them to a very large extent. We are dependent on the trees for oxygen, on agriculture for food and on the rain for water.

Then why do we question ourselves or even others for having basic human needs of being seen, felt, heard and understood?

What makes us think that meeting the above needs externally through someone else is being “dependent” or “overly sensitive” and is even considered as a sign of weakness?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having needs. That is what makes us human.Our needs keep changing as per our situation and desires.

As a human, we have different needs.

• Physical needs (Food, Clothing, Shelter)

• Financial needs (Money)

• Emotional needs (Love, Care, Affection, Connection)

• Mental needs ( Ability to interpret things mentally)

Out of all the above needs. Emotional and Mental needs are often neglected. They are usually overlooked. This is the reason for the mental as well as emotional breakdown that is happening worldwide today.

No wonder we are starving emotionally!

The answer to this worldwide emotional pandemic is “Empathy”

Empathy has the power to transform everything around.

It is like having a Midas Touch.

A touch that can touch lives and act as an elixir.

How to be More Empathic?

As said earlier we all possess the quality of being empathic to some degree or another. But often don’t know-how. How to have more empathy and be more empathic.

Here is what I do to practise empathy on a regular basis:-

• Active Listening:– Listening is a very important life skill. Genuinely listening to someone without having this need to interrupt or pose a random question, seems hard. But it is what is required to really know what is happening in the other person’s life. Only when you patiently listen, would you know what is actually happening in the other person’s life, right?

• No Judgement:– Well, this is a no brainer. If someone confides in you, it means they really trust you. They think of you as a well-wisher; someone who cares for them. They share their problems and concerns so that you listen to them and understand things from their point of view. Many of the time they only want you to listen patiently, that’s it! Do not offer any advice or pass judgements if things are sensitive. Just listen as you listen to a kid!

• Assurance:– The need to belong and be a part of a community has been a human need since hunter-gatherer times. It is in our very DNA to need a sense of belongingness. To rely on people not just for our physical safety but also mental, emotional safety. It would be a total lie to deny these needs. The assurance of having someone to count on is what acts as an antidote to many of life’s problems.

Though many of these pointers seem easy to implement, they are easier said than done! But like any other skill, practice is the key and this too is no exception!

Just keep believing in your kindness and in the power of love.

Before you proceed further, I would like to ask you a question.

Why do you want to have more Empathy?

• Is it because you read this and felt motivated to?

• Or is it because it is a trending topic as of today?

• Or because you’re a good human being?

Your WHY is very important when you think of embarking on this journey.

Your why can tackle almost anyhow. And eventually the how won’t even matter.

Among the many things that you offer to people, the gift of Empathy is a priceless possession. Which you may not be aware of. But has the power to create a positive ripple effect in someone’s life!

The World does not need more Intellects

The World does not need more Scientists

The World does not need more Critics

But the what the World does need more are

Empaths, Healers, Seekers, Peace Makers & Lovers!

Be the change you wish to See!