Humans are complex creatures possessing a range of emotions. One of our unique abilities is the capacity for empathy, which is often called the heart’s silent language. It enables you to communicate even without words. It is the hallmark of your humanity and an essential quality that distinguishes you from other species.
What is empathy?
The word comes from the Greek word “empatheia,” which means “physical affection or passion.” It was later translated into German as “einfühlung,” which means “feeling into.”
A complex and multifaceted concept, this feeling can be expressed in different ways. According to renowned psychologists Daniel Goleman and Paul Ekman, there are three forms of empathy.
Cognitive empathy
Also known as perspective-taking, cognitive empathy involves understanding how another person feels and what they may be thinking. For instance, putting yourself in your friend’s shoes may make you realize they are probably experiencing pain or sadness.
However, having cognitive empathy alone may not be enough to connect with your friend truly. Communicating your feelings with your friend is important to establish a deeper connection. This is where emotional empathy comes into play.
Emotional empathy
Understanding someone’s emotions is more than just recognizing them. When you experience emotional empathy, you feel the same way as the other person, as if their emotions were yours.
When you experience this, you try to find a similar experience where you felt the same way. This helps you understand the other person’s emotions better, even if your experiences are different. This is where compassionate empathy comes in.
Compassionate empathy
This is when you understand someone’s situation and feel moved to help if needed. When you empathize with others, you can find a balance between your emotions and thoughts.
This allows you to act without being overwhelmed by your feelings or making rash decisions. When you show compassionate empathy, you can connect with others and make a positive difference in other people’s lives.
How to practice empathy
Listen purposefully
Give others your undivided attention when someone talks to you. Try to understand their perspective by asking open-ended questions and acknowledging their thoughts. Active listening allows you to understand their point of view fully.
Step into other people’s shoes
Put yourself in another person’s position. Consider their emotions, struggles, and experiences. This imaginative exercise fosters emotional empathy, allowing you to feel what they are feeling truly.
Observe nonverbal cues
Pay attention to the person’s tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. Often, these nonverbal cues communicate more than words. Understanding these signals can lead to increased cognitive and emotional empathy.
Acknowledge and validate other people’s feelings
Even if you disagree, learn to recognize and validate their feelings. Everyone deserves to feel heard and understood. Acknowledging their emotions can foster a deeper sense of connection.
To summarize
Empathy is a powerful force that binds us together in our shared human experience. It’s more than just a virtue; it’s a way of life that can profoundly impact the world around you.
As J.K. Rowling, the famous author of the Harry Potter series, once said: “We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” This power to imagine better drives the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes.
Unfortunately, many people choose not to exercise their imaginations and instead stay within the bounds of their own experiences. They don’t take the time to wonder how it would feel to be in a different time, place, or circumstance.
Be that person who chooses to step out of your own experiences and learn to feel for others. It enables you to connect with others, have compassion for your differences, and work together to build a better world.
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