Month: June 2025

We have trouble realizing empathy
because we
aren’t aware (even if we may know)
don’t want to (disgust)
or we are too afraid. (fear)

There is advice
that is accepted.

Then there is advice
that is rejected.

The former
dissolves the paradox
in the other person’s mind.

The latter
merely solves the problem
as defined
by the advice giver.

Empathy
is why we can connect
across boundaries
and distance.

Connect with people far away
Connect with people’s minds despite the boundary of skin
Connect with our emotions, we’ve stashed deep inside
Connect with our thoughts

When employees
frustrate us,
we at least have the option
to either blame their incompetence
or support them
to fully utilize their competence.

When we think they’re disrespecting us
they may simply be stalling trying to satisfy us by doing something on their own instead of simply asking for help

The word empathy

was originally invented to explain

why we can feel connected

to something or someone

with whom we perceive to have

distance

or

boundary.

Sometimes

such boundary blurring

or distance closing

can yield positive outcomes

Other times

not so much.

Empathy

is neither good

nor bad.

It is simply

an explanation.

The responsibility lies

with each

and every one of us

When others
cannot understand what we’re saying
or doing
we can,
to them,
sound.

‘t their fault.

I couldn’t even understand myself,
so how could I expect more from others?

But then I met people
who understood me
better than I could understand
myself.

Without them
I would not be here.

If you are feeling
depressed and anxious
I want you to know
that it’s not your fault.

Nor is it the fault of those around you.

You sought validation.

Only to realize
that others
think you’re crazy.

…

Here’s the thing.

Both you
and others
are not
wrong.

The reason why others think you’re crazy
is because they cannot
empathize with you.

They cannot empathize with you,
because they don’t know how.

You’re not helping, either,
because you’re not communicating well.

You’re not communicating well,
because you don’t know
what you’re talking about.

You don’t know what you’re talking about,
not because you’re incompetent,
or stupid,
but because you haven’t reflected enough.

That’s not your fault.

When we’re alone,
it’s very easy
to confuse rumination
with reflection.

May we remember
that reflection
requires a particular kind
of relationship.

May we not let others convince us
that we’re crazy.

May we develop a relationship
where we can reflect.

/wy p