May 2022 – Realizing Empathy

Unexpected

Realizing empathy
often helps us see
that what we judged
as selfish
can be mutually beneficial
and what we judged
as altruistic
can be hurtful.

The pursuit of fairness
can also give birth
to revenge.

We use the phrase
“emotional”
only when we display extreme degrees
of emotions.

It’s as if we don’t feel
emotions
at other times.

But
calmness
is an emotion.

Curiosity and wonder
are emotions.

The certainty
and confidence
or the uncertainty
and hesitation we feel
when making decisions
are
emotions.

Sometimes
a vicious cycle
starts,
unintended,
when we take responsibility
for others’ happiness.

Sometimes
a virtuous cycle
starts,
ironically,
when we take responsibility
for our own happiness.

At first,
the question
may seem like
“Do you share
my interests?”

But later,
a question just as important
may be
“Will you be there
to support me
when I fall?”