Empathy in Action: Putting Our Understanding into Practice for a More Compassionate World

As a healthcare professional, Anne has always been aware of the importance of empathy in her work.?

She knew that genuinely understanding and connecting with her patients was crucial to providing the best possible care.?

But despite her best efforts, there were times when she struggled to put herself in her patients' shoes fully.

One day, Anne was called to see a new patient, a young woman named Joyce, who had recently been diagnosed with a serious illness.?

Joyce was understandably upset and frightened, and Anne could see the fear and worry written all over her face.

Anne learned that Joyce's illness resulted from her neglect and irresponsibility, and she found it difficult to feel empathy towards her.?

She tried to approach the situation with a matter-of-fact, clinical approach, explaining the treatment options and the potential outcomes, trying to be as reassuring as possible.

?But as she spoke, she saw that Joyce was becoming increasingly distressed.

Anne took a deep breath and paused for a moment. She reminded herself that her job was to provide care and support to all her patients, regardless of the circumstances leading to their illness.?

She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what it would feel like to receive such a devastating diagnosis, regardless of the reasons behind it.

When she opened her eyes, Anne saw that Joyce was still looking at her with fear and uncertainty. Anne reached out and gently took Joyce's hand in hers.

?"I know this must be so hard for you," she said, her voice filled with genuine compassion. "

I can't even imagine how scary and overwhelming this must feel.?

But I want you to know that you're not alone. I'm here for you, and I'll do everything I can to support you and help you through this."

Joyce's eyes filled with tears, and she squeezed Anne's hand tightly. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaking.

?"I've been so scared and alone. It means so much to know that I have someone who cares."

Anne felt a surge of emotion as she realised the power of empathy at that moment.?

She knew that by really trying to understand and connect with Joyce, she had been able to provide the support and comfort that her patient needed.?

It was a reminder of just how important it is to put empathy into action, and Anne knew that she would carry this lesson with her for the rest of her career.

Three Stages of Empathetic Maturity?

Stage 1:

This is the most basic pattern and is not commonly seen in adults.

People at this stage view others as fundamentally different from themselves.

The rationale behind another person's actions, feelings, or thoughts are not experienced as being as relevant or meaningful as one's own rationale."

Those at this stage perceive a concrete sense of mutuality with others.

Stage 2:

Stage 2 individuals believe that their personal reasons for their actions apply to everyone.

Therefore, the validity of a person's motivations and emotions is only recognised by those at stage 2 to the extent that they align with their own perspective.?

In contrast to stage 1, stage 2 individuals view others as similar to themselves as long as they understand the world in the same way.?

As a result, it is difficult for stage 2 individuals to show empathy to someone who is perceived to be engaging in negative behaviours unless they can be understood from the stage 2 person's perspective."

An example of negative behaviour that might be viewed as such by a stage 2 individual is homelessness resulting from substance addiction.?

If the stage 2 person believes the person experiencing homelessness is responsible for their addiction, they will not feel empathy.?

However, if the stage 2 person can identify a valid reason for the person's addiction, such as a divorce beyond their control, they may feel empathy.?

Whether empathy and compassion are felt by a stage 2 individual depends on their value judgments and understanding of the cause of the suffering.?

It is believed that the majority of society operates at stage 2.

Stage 3:

At stage 3, empathy is experienced without considering the person's behaviour.?

The other person is seen as human in the same way that the self is experienced as human.?

The perception of another person as responsible for a problem no longer prevents the development of empathy.?

If the person experiencing suffering is seen as responsible, there is no need to mitigate their responsibility in order to feel empathy.?

A key characteristic of stage 3 is the ability to empathise with another person while simultaneously and without contradiction recognising them as responsible for problematic behaviour."

Black Belt Level of Empathy

A black belt is a rank in martial arts, specifically in karate, judo, and other traditional Japanese martial arts.?

It is the highest rank that can be achieved in these martial arts and is typically achieved after several years of dedicated training and practice.?

In some martial arts, achieving a black belt signifies that the individual has reached a level of proficiency and understanding of the art and is now considered a master of the techniques.?

In general, a black belt is seen as a symbol of dedication, discipline, and expertise in the martial art in question.

Shirzad Chamine, the author of the book?Positive Intelligence, described the stage three level of empathy as the ‘Black Belt’ level of empathy.

He further referenced this level of empathy that Jesus demonstrated when He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) as He was being crucified on the cross.?

Jesus modelled the highest level of empathy for us, and as we celebrate His birth (Christmas), let us upgrade our empathy level to stage 3.?

Let’s make our world a better place by not being judgemental of others!

What stage of empathy do you operate on??

If you want to know how to upgrade to the stage 3 level of empathy, respond with the word ‘Upgrade.’

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