2024-11-08 12:13:00
Empathy holds a important likes in all of our lives. It is the ability to understand and share the emotions of others. It allows us to see things from another person’s point of view. An essential quality to promote social and professional relationships because it allows us to cultivate compassion and improve our trust in us.
1/ Listen to your own emotions to gain empathy
Impossible to understand those of others if we are not already in tune with our own. First step : name our feelings to better tame them.
We ask ourselves:
“What are the three emotions what do I feel most often?” (joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust…) “In which circumstances ?”
“Comment does that translate?” (a lump in the stomach, irritability, muscular tension, withdrawal, etc.)
If we have difficulty identifying our emotions, the very good series of podcasts Emotions (Louie Media) as well as short meditations proposed by Christophe André in The Interior Life (free, radiofrance.fr) help us to get to know our states of mind more fully.
2/ Cultivate your curiosity to be more empathetic
To develop its open-mindednesswe have to go where we don’t necessarily want to go, towards things that don’t tempt us a priori, or even repel us. Not at all attracted to Asia? We watch a documentary on Vietnam, a Korean film or try a Japanese restaurant. Very rational with your feet on the ground? We accompany a friend to her kundalini yoga class even if it seems (very) esoteric… In short, we step out of our comfort zone.
3/ Slip into the other’s skin
To develop empathyyou must be able to put yourself in place of another person. This understanding of the feelings of others involves a very simple exo. While reading a novel, identify a character who seems endearing but far from us, stop reading and imagine how he will evolve, what he will do or feel… Write this down in a notebook and compare with the rest of the novel.
Decenter yourself for a better understanding of others
Showing empathy requires focus more on others than on ourselves. We avoid at all costs taking our own experience as a point of comparison (“Me, when it happened to me…”, “If it were me…”) and we ask questions (“How do you live?”, “What do you think you’ll do?”).
Practice listening.
Actively listening to others forms the basis of learning empathy. Our interlocutor does not necessarily need to hear our advice or find a solution, but simply a space to talk. To test with those around you: start a person on a subject (their last vacation, their passion for running, their children, etc.) and let them speak without interrupting, only by smiling or nodding in agreement .
Read also
Writing to free yourself: 5 exercises to heal yourself Psycho: the gestures that betray us
1731359360
#Empathy #tips #understanding
**Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman on the Importance of Empathy in Our Lives**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Hartman! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the crucial role empathy plays in our personal and professional lives.
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. Can you explain why empathy is so important in our everyday interactions?
**Dr. Hartman:** Absolutely! Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It promotes compassionate relationships and fosters trust among individuals. In our increasingly complex social environment, being empathetic can bridge gaps and create stronger connections—be it at home, in our communities, or in the workplace.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the significance of understanding our own emotions as a foundation for developing empathy. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Hartman:** Certainly! To truly empathize with others, we first need to be aware of our own emotions. Naming and understanding what we feel is vital. For instance, reflecting on questions like, “What emotions do I experience most often?” or, “How do these emotions manifest in my body?” can significantly enhance our emotional awareness. Tools like podcasts on emotions or guided meditations can facilitate this journey.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! And I understand that cultivating curiosity is another key component in developing empathy. How does this work?
**Dr. Hartman:** Cultivating curiosity means being open to experiences that challenge our norms or interests. When we engage with those elements outside our comfort zone—like watching a documentary on a different culture or trying a new activity—we expand our understanding of varied human experiences. This not only enhances our open-mindedness but also enriches our capacity for empathy.
**Interviewer:** It seems like both self-reflection and openness to new experiences are vital. What would you say to someone who feels they struggle with being empathetic?
**Dr. Hartman:** I would advise them to start small. Encourage self-reflection through journaling or conversations. Acknowledge that building empathy is a skill, much like any other, that can be developed with time and effort. Whether through mindfulness practices or simply engaging with diverse perspectives, each step contributes to a more empathetic outlook.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman. Your insights into empathy as an essential life skill are incredibly valuable. Any final thoughts for our readers?
**Dr. Hartman:** Just a reminder that empathy is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, and remember that every effort to understand others is a step towards a more compassionate world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Dr. Hartman. We appreciate your wisdom on this important subject!
