Rather than perceiving something as outside and separate from yourself (duality), empathy is the ability of being that which is perceived, and becoming that which is beheld. It is the unification of object and subject. So that when you talk to someone, in essence, only two parts of thegreater Self are talking, and of course they are both equal. Empathy is not limited to only people, but can be a way of life. It can be a way of interaction with and reception of, the world.
Empathy is the skill of active listening--of approaching an interaction with an open mind. It is the understanding that regardless of a person's appearance, personality, or history, there exists a common thread. We have all experienced pain, love, sadness, joy, greed, lust, pleasure, and contentment. There is an all-permeating similarity we share as we each play our part in the great human comedy. To practice empathy is to not feel for another person, but to actually be another person. It is to feel a kinship, a bond, a connection and relationship from your own personal background. To communicate with empathy, is to be completely receptive to what another person is expressing, to find out where one is coming from without categorizing, passing quick judgment, or blocking their message by putting up separations, distinctions or walls.
Empathy is important for information exchange in any and all relationships, whether between a stranger, a family member, or between two nations. |
