V&E Words: Empathy

What is Empathy? I explore the eymology, psychology, physiology and spirituality behind the concept in an attempt to answer this question. How do we feel the other? How do we know the difference between our feelings and the feelings of the other? The three major components of empathy seem to be: knowing, feeling and responding compassionately. We read books to gather knowledge of things we do not have the time or space to learn first hand. Tuning our empathy has the same effect but for emotions. We can connect with other humans and simulate experiences we have never had. In doing so we expand our awareness and are better able to live ethically and effectively with our fellow humans.

6 Things I Learned About Empowering Myself from Sia’s Elastic Heart

Relationships end. Breakups can be awful. Whether we decide to end it or our partners do, there is always a period of adjustment and mourning.

Our logical analytical mind wants to swoop in, be the hero, and save us from our emotions so give it something to do instead of breaking down the same situations over and over again.

I have a tendency to over analyze things, which can be self-defeating; this is an example of the kind of analysis that is helpful.

Since Sia’s Elastic Heart came out I have played it (sometimes on repeat)  to bring me back to myself even when I am in the thralls of avoidance: dying my hair, remaking my bed (even if it’s clean) moving furniture, excessive baking, walking, you get the picture…

Listening to music, reading a book or watching a show can give us the inspiration we need to exercise the aspects of ourselves that left unattended can drive us crazy. We can find empowerment instead of self-defeat.