One Apple A Day #870 - Empathy
Empathy is a fundamental strength to develop for every human being.
Now more than ever.
I won't try to explain what empathy is. There are many people way better than me in doing it. You can start from this video by Brené Brown to understand what it is. If you're coach but also if you're not, you can watch this video by Marcia Reynolds describing the three types of empathy and how empathy can help to move from problems to possibilities.
I often hear empathy described as the ability to walk in someone else shoes. To be able to see and feel life from their perspective.
I remember this quote I read on the book Nonflict by Amir Kfir and Stephen Hecht.
Before you step into someone else's shoes, remember to take off your own.
Devan Capur
I remember once I was listening to a very dear person. She told me about what was going on in her life, and I felt her pain and distress. I thought I understood what was going on inside her, and I shared what was in mind.
Oh dear if I was wrong. What I was really sensing were my own emotions projecting myself into her situation. I forgot to take off my shoes before stepping into hers.
Now I've learned never to make assumptions. Whenever I sense something, I ask for permission, and then I share what I've perceived without reading into it.