5 Ways to Practise Empathy

If there is one quality we believe is pivotal in shaping society, it is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, by putting oneself in the shoes of another person.? While the media often highlights grand acts of empathy, we must look beyond the glitz and glamour to realise that simple, everyday gestures can demonstrate empathy. All it takes is intentionality.

Human connections, or relationships, are the fundamental building blocks of society. Research has shown that empathy is essential for cultivating and nurturing healthy connections. Empathy not only strengthens relationships within our homes and communities but also extends to interactions with strangers. It has even been proven to enhance workplace performance, foster better relationships, and increase overall life satisfaction.

Empathy may not come naturally with our hectic lifestyle. In fact, it can be perceived as something that requires much effort. Yet, this may not be true. Empathy can be demonstrated through simple actions and gestures and here are 5 simple ways you can practise empathy.

1.Active Listening?

Active listening is rooted in the desire to truly understand others. By actively listening to their thought process, we can gain insight into their motivations, goals and fears. For example, we can exhibit active listening by asking open-ended questions that encourage meaningful responses and enable the person to express themselves fully. Additionally, paraphrasing their words can demonstrate that we are present in the interaction and helps to clarify any misunderstandings. It is crucial that we extend the same level of support to others as we would expect from them.

2. Validating Others’ Emotions

Affirming the validity of someone's unpleasant feelings and negative thoughts is essential in promoting self-acceptance and facilitating their healing. It shows respect for reality, be it positive and negative, and grounds us in the present moment. As Mark Twain observed, “The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.” When we validate others’ emotions, we communicate acceptance regardless of their circumstances and this helps them come to terms with their pain and struggles easier. Think of it as a warm hug.?

3. Avoiding Judgement

In order to establish meaningful connections and be there for others, it is important to establish trust, and this trust can only form when we demonstrate a non-judgmental attitude. ?

4. Share our experiences and hear from others

Each time we share our experiences, we not only bring a little piece of wisdom to the listener, but also provide them with a personal reflection and an alternative perspective of a lived experience to them. So take the chance to listen to the journeys of others too – by putting ourselves in their shoes to identify with their experiences through storytelling. We may be surprised by the things we learn!

5. Being proactive in demonstrating your values?

It would perhaps be helpful for us to be more keenly observant of our actions and the way we interact with the people and things in our life - be it an overworked fast-food worker, or an overfilled public dustbin. We could smile and say thank you to our frontline workers , and find another dustbin to throw our trash instead! By starting small, we will be able to feel the impact of our little actions and slowly but surely, overcome the friction of doing greater things!

We hope this article encourages you to take action and practice empathy. Let’s start the small steps together and make the world a better place to live in.?

Upcoming Programmes:

To hear more heart-melting stories of empathy and to learn how it transformed the lives of people, Youth Corps Singapore Empathy Taskforce is holding The Empathy Series on 30 July 2023 with a lineup of exceptional people. You get to have meaningful conversations with people who overcame the odds to become the person that they are today. Follow @ycs.empathy on Instagram to get more updates about the event!

Written by: Empathy Taskforce & Engagement Taskforce