A Window into Another’s World

Once upon a time on a bright sunny day A daughter and her father were driving along the highway. The father had a sparkle in his eyes as he kept marveling? at the lush green trees & mesmerizing blue?lake. But all the daughter could see was a dried up canal and uprooted trees. Frustrated, she assumes he’s teasing her. Years later, after her father has passed, she drives the same road—this time in the driver’s seat. To her astonishment, she notices the beauty her father once described!?

It wasn’t her father who’d been mistaken; it was her perspective. All that had changed was that she was put in his position now!?

And that my friend is what we call “Empathy”

Through my work with clients and my own interactions with life I have realized that empathy is an incredible gift that one has or develops! It allows for deeper and meaningful relationships, better outcomes at work, social spaces and family and an improved sense of purpose.?

It creates a collective sense of compassion to know that everyone you pass—the hurried stranger, the quiet coworker, the frustrated neighbor—has a life as intricate and vivid as your own. Each person carries their own story, their own joys, and struggles. When we’re curious enough to ask and listen, they might let us peek through their window—and we’ll see life a little differently.

And won't we all benefit from a world which has a tab bit of more compassion and understanding be it at work, or at home or in our governance at large!?

When we’re curious enough to ask and listen, they might let us peek through their window—and we’ll see life a little differently.

Here are some quick sentences you can use in conversations to increase your empathy ratings today!!?

1. I understand that the situation is difficult for you.?
2. Would you like to talk about it?
3. That must have hurt your feelings.
4. I can see why that made you feel they way you did.
5. I want to make sure I have a clear understanding of what you’re telling me.? Do you mean to say….

Let’s foster empathy together. We would love to hear your your thoughts or a story of empathy that moved you!

• Check out “The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World” a book by Jamil Zaki, that explores the themes of empathy and compassion, their intersecting and complex nature, and how they can be cultivated in this hostile and divided world.
• Head over to read the blog on “How can you be an empathetic leader?”

Warmly,?

Team SafeStories