Empathy is the key to truly understanding another person’s perspective—to see the world through their eyes, rather than through our own. In its simplest form, empathy is the ability to relate to another person’s feelings without judgment, advice, or attempts to fix their problems. It’s about suspending your own beliefs and judgments and genuinely connecting with someone else’s experience.
If this sounds challenging, you’re not alone. It can feel nearly impossible at times, especially when emotions run high. But that's why I'm here—to provide you with some practical tips to become more empathetic toward others. Let’s dive into how you can start fostering these deeper connections today.
As a mom, I get daily opportunities to practice my empathy skills, especially during those intense moments when my kids have had a tough day. Picture this: One minute, my daughters are calmly telling me about their day, and the next, it's as if I’m sitting next to a mini tornado of emotions. They go from zero to a hundred in a matter of seconds, and it can be overwhelming.
In these moments, even when my initial reaction might be to throw my hands up or let out a few choice words, I remind myself that these are perfect opportunities to practice empathy. Instead of reacting, I pause, breathe, and engage with their feelings. It’s not about fixing their problems but about connecting with them on a deeper level.
One of the toughest parts of being empathetic is learning to listen without letting our preconceived notions or beliefs interfere. It’s crucial to let go of any judgments and simply be present with the other person.
Imagine you’re wearing rose-colored glasses, and the person you’re speaking with is wearing yellow ones. They’re describing their experience as yellow, but your instinct is to argue that it’s pink. True empathy means setting aside your “glasses” and allowing them to share their yellow world without interference.
Here’s a pro tip: Try mirroring the other person’s body language subtly. If they cross their arms, you can do the same. This small, unconscious mimicry can create a sense of connection and make the other person feel more understood.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get distracted by our phones, notifications, and other interruptions. However, to truly connect with someone, it’s essential to be fully present. Put away the distractions and focus on the person in front of you. Engage with their words, tone, and body language.
This presence is where all the exercises and meditations we practice come into play. By becoming aware of your own emotions and energy, you can better understand others. The more you practice kindness and empathy towards yourself, the easier it will be to extend that empathy to others.
It’s natural to want to jump in and solve someone’s problems, especially when it’s someone you care about. However, empathy often requires something different. Sometimes, people don’t need solutions; they need someone to listen. They need space to express themselves without being judged or told what to do.
Instead of immediately offering advice, consider asking them if they want your input. Sometimes, just being there to listen is the most supportive thing you can do.
It’s important to remember that empathy is not the same as sympathy. Sympathy often involves feeling sorry for someone, which can unintentionally put distance between you and them. Empathy, on the other hand, is about being there with them, sharing the emotional space, and understanding their experience from their point of view.
While empathy is about connecting deeply with another person’s experience, it’s equally important to stay grounded in your own energy. As you open yourself up to someone else’s emotions, there’s a risk of being overtaken by their energy, which can leave you feeling drained or unsettled. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain your center and reset your frequency back to your own vibration after the conversation ends.
Now, I know it can be tough. You’re there, fully engaged, feeling all the feels, and before you know it, you’re carrying their emotional baggage right along with yours. But here’s the thing: empathy doesn’t mean losing yourself in someone else’s story. It’s about being present with them while staying firmly rooted in your own energy.
Think of it like this—you’ve got to keep your own vibe high. After an empathetic exchange, take a moment to breathe, ground yourself, and shake off any emotions that aren’t yours. Seriously, just let it go. This way, you’re not walking around all day with someone else’s vibration hanging on you like a heavy coat.
Remember, you can be there for others and still take care of yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s smart. The more you practice this, the better you’ll be at offering genuine support without getting emotionally drained.
So, next time you’re in the thick of it—whether it’s your kids, a friend, or a colleague—remember these empathy tips. Be present, be kind, be objective, and supportive, but most importantly, stay true to yourself. The more you keep your own energy in check, the more meaningful and balanced your connections will be.
Until next time, keep your vibe high, and remember, you’ve got this. I’m Marisa Grieco, Your Mystical Guide.
