Empathy

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In all our contacts, it is probably the sense of being really needed and wanted which gives us the greatest satisfaction and creates the most lasting bond—Eleanor Roosevelt—

It took me a few minutes to convince my husband that this is true. I wonder who he is bonding to? and  why?

But think about it for a moment. We love and serve our husband and children, daily, many of us for their whole lives. Doesn’t it make sense that our feelings toward them are strong? As they get older and need more help from us, don’t our feelings for our aging parents grow stronger and more tender?  As I get older and have health issues, I ask my husband for more care, and I feel his love growing deeper and stronger.

The same goes for our neighbors. Thursday, my husband took the trash to the curb and left town. It was my job to bring the containers back Friday morning. What a sight! A bent old lady on a walker trying to pull the empty containers back up the road to the house. One neighbor drove by in his truck, smiled, and waved. The other ran across the cul-de-sac, grabbed both trolleys and sprinted into the garage. Who do you think I have the greater bond with!

What the world needs now (to borrow from a favorite song) is a little empathy.

Look at people fleeing their homes to protect their families be it from floods, fires, or political systems. Can you feel what they might be feeling as you think of your friends and families?

What can you do? How can you feel empathy?

1.    Empathy requires understanding their situation. The first neighbor is younger and new to the neighborhood.

2.     Imagine how you would feel if in the same situation. What would you wish someone would do for you?

3.    Respond—How do we respond? We don’t necessarily need to fix the problem. Sometimes just the knowledge that we care can lift and strengthen the person by showing that we care. They are not alone.

Some days I sit alone in my studio, feeling sorry for myself and wonder, what can I do to lighten someone’s burden? How can I show the love I feel for my fellow men? Check out JustServe.com. There are many options around town, wherever you live. Be aware of needs in your neighborhoods and help. As for me, well chocolate chip cookies are always good!