The power of Empathy

 

The Power of Empathy: A Thirty-Day Path to Personal Growth and Social Change

Day1

Empathy: Turning Compassion into Action

Contents

Learn from the young

Over the weekend, I spoke to a college student and felt so hopeful about our future as to how informed they are. I would extend this to learn about the young. Having read that adolescent brains take longer to sleep pressure at night, I can now empathize why my tween wont sleep at her elementary school time. Having an open mind to understand the world around, so they feel heard is what empathy is all about to me. To be able to receive information, we have to find ways to stay curious to keep the sense of wonder and not get complacent that we understand everything. Things change.

Day 2

For reasons I will never understand, when I was a first year at uni, a middle-aged Doctor from Gaza moved temporarily into the room opposite mine in halls.

We weren't sure what to make of our new neighbour. But after a day, I decided to knock on his door and say hello... 1/🧵 pic.twitter.com/pZWSMITT0D

— Ben P🦉 (@__BP__) November 2, 2023

Day 3 

Today I understand what was meant by any judgements associated with empathy. For this to make sense, we have to understand the situations where empathy will paralyse people from action eg doctors and other service profesional saving lives. 

types of empathy include cognitive, emotional and somatic

Can little actions bring big joy researchers say micro-acts can boost well-being

As I read Supercommunicators, I cant help but be amazed at how empathy is tied to understandinh others, sharing our vulnerabilities to make a connection. Mimicry to reciprocity. We are very strong wired to imitate our loved ones. I might be going a little far, talking like I have braces.

Participate in the bigjoy project

Day 4

While filling the survey for big joy project, I realised my privilege built on my parents hardwork. I should maintain a gratitude list. Todays activity for Big joy project was to "dwell in awe".