LOCK DOWN CHRONICLES: EMPATHY

LOCK DOWN CHRONICLES 4: EMPATHY

I remember a lady in my class many years ago who had an epileptic attack during lectures. Everyone gathered around watched her vibrating on the floor helpless and scared. Few minutes later she was back on her feet, looking drained and feeling embarrassed at the same time. All everyone around could tell her was we are sorry. We all had a feeling of pity and sorrow for the shame and suffering. Sympathy is what we had for her. Empathy on the other hand is the capacity to understand or fully comprehend what a person is going through or their point of view.

I stepped out of my estate one of those evenings in April when the lock down was beginning to make me feel like a prisoner in my own home. I stayed at a comfortable distance from the my Estate gate just in case I had to dash back for all the reasons in the world. At this point, I had been locked in for three weeks and I really needed that breath of fresh air.

I saw all sorts of people outside-beggars, shoe makers. petty traders, hawkers all beckoning on people passing by. Some hoping to make s little sale others hoping to get a little hand out. Their faces wore a combined look of hunger, tiredness and misery. I suddenly had this sad feeling for them knowing that there was just how much I could do for them that evening.

I learned empathy from a whole new perspective not because I had worn their shoes but more that I could actually feel their pain. The greatest need of any human being is first to be understood and next to be valued. This lock down has made me view people differently and appreciate them better. At whatever level or position you find yourself know that there is always someone out there that you can reach out to#LockDownChronicles#Empathy#