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.
Tag: ideas
V&E Animal Omens: Wild Turkey
Yesterday I went for a ramble in the forest with a wonderful walking companion and we came across a beautiful, female, wild turkey! We tried to follow it but both the turkey and ourselves discovered that the path we were walking had been overtaken by a new-build subdivision.
It has been such a long time since I have written about animal omens and this encounter was so striking and made such an impression I had to know what message the turkey has for us!
Turns out they are messengers of abundance and in Spring they represent the beginning of a new journey of abundance. There is plenty to learn from this fortunate meeting in the woods!
Forgiveness? Try This
Forgiveness Prayer From Angeles Arrien’s book The Nine Muses If I have harmed anyone in any way Either knowingly or unknowingly Through my own confusions I ask… Read more “Forgiveness? Try This”
Shielding Against Improper Spiritual Awakening — Wanderealm
When we talk about spirituality it is usually met with ideas of positivity and happiness, however for some people that choose a more spiritual lifestyle, but have… Read more “Shielding Against Improper Spiritual Awakening — Wanderealm”
Self-Love Isn’t Just About You — From The Fringe
I’m a massive fan of self-love. I cherish the idea of us all being wonderful to ourselves and investing the majority of our time and energy… Read more “Self-Love Isn’t Just About You — From The Fringe”
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.
Procrastination & Perfectionism: A Marriage of Opposites?
Procrastination is yet another fabulous perk of having ADHD. Not all procrastinators have ADHD and not all people with ADHD procrastinate, but this is for those who do or those who have loved ones with the affliction.
More than this I am interested in exploring the relationship between perfectionism and procrastination.
4 Reasons to Practice Yoga for ADHD
I have found Yoga to be an extremely helpful practice to manage the issues that stem from ADHD. Additionally, the physical aspect of Hatha is extremely beneficial to counteract the side effects of the ADHD medication I take.
With any learning or psychological difficulties, the best way to manage is to balance the body, mind, and spirit, since the problem is often the result of an imbalance. For instance, in ADHD the right brain is functioning at a higher capacity than the left so there is an imbalance in the use of each. Yoga is a holistic practice so it will not cause further imbalances by strengthening one part and not another.
vehemence & emergence 