Developing Empathy

We spoke the last time that there are two qualities that everyone should toil to acquire – Resilience and Empathy. One may acquire a lot of riches, good education, status and power; but without these two pillars of Resilience and Empathy, it will be difficult to build a solid foundation.

Life will bring its own set of challenges, setbacks and uncertainties. Resilience is the armour that helps one face these without getting burned out.

What role does Empathy play then? Empathy is the salve that helps heal the wounds that still seep through.

What is Empathy? In simple terms, it is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another being – man or animal or plant.

As is said in the following Subhashitam -

न च विद्यासमो बन्धुः न च व्याधिसमो रिपुः ।न चापत्यसमो स्नेहः न च धर्मो दयापरः ॥

empathy

0:00

न च विद्यासमः बन्धुः - there is no relative like knowledge

न च व्याधिसमः रिपुः                  -       there is no enemy like disease

न च अपत्यसमः स्नेहः - there is no love like that for off-springs

न च धर्मः दयापरः                    - there is no righteous path better than Kindness

For our ancestors, who always lived in harmony with nature, Empathy came naturally. They never wished for more than their wants. They never took or grabbed that what was not theirs. They respected the feelings of all living beings and even the elements of nature – sun, wind, rain – which they considered as living beings itself.

As Man advanced to become the dominant race on Earth, we seem to have lost some of this internal wiring along the way. In the race for being the best (nation, sportsman, student, employee, etc), we many a times act with utter disregard for other living beings (humans or animals or plants).

Being Empathetic towards others is not being a walkover or a meek, weak person. In fact, understanding others POVs, stepping into their shoes gives you a peek at the larger picture. At times, it helps you make a more rational choice and emerge stronger, more popular and better person.

How can one become more Empathetic and Kind? Well, start small, build empathy in your daily routine, like

• not hogging more cupboard space or bathroom time if sharing a room with a sibling

• not wasting food and not buying clothes, accessories more than your needs of clothes

• spending time to engage meaningfully with maids, drivers, juniors, others helpers around you

• lending a hand to friends, teachers, colleagues whenever you can without expecting anything in return

Slowly, you will get attuned to the feelings of others around you and acts of kindness and empathy will start coming naturally to you

Just like you are facing challenges of your own, so are others and at times, a small gesture of kindness or support goes a long way in supporting someone through rough times.

While you build empathy for others, do not forget to have empathy towards your own self too! Self-Love is also very important. Devote time for your hobbies; do not whip yourself too much for the mistakes you make.

In Hinduism, we believe in circular concept of life – what goes around comes around. Some term it “Karma”. When you are empathetic and kind towards others, you are sure to get a Good Samaritan's help to tide you through times when you are down and blue.

Thus, during on your life journey while you fill up your knapsack with education, a dream job, cars, properties, and other riches don’t forget to pack in Resilience and Empathy too!