What is Empathy

Empathy
is a word
that explains why
we can feel
as if we’re connected
across boundaries
and distance.

Connecting across boundaries
is neither absolutely good
nor absolutely bad.

What it is
is a curious,
sometimes surprising,
phenomena.

What meaning
and value
is created
or discovered
and by whom
will determine
whether it is good
or bad.

Two Sets of Questions

  1. Why do I lack so much motivation and willpower?
  2. How can I not feel pain and discomfort?
  3. What more can I do?
  4. How can I more effectively communicate my pain to others?

Which leaves the tension unreleased, does nothing to the weight carried

Creates even more tension, adds even more weight

Which will probably create more tension.

Which creates more weight, thus more tension, maybe even trigger our injury

How can I (re)design my thinking process and interactions with people in or around my business, such that I can regularly…

  1. Restore my energy and vitality.
  2. Release my tensions.
  3. Share, offload, or temporarily stash some of the weight I’m carrying.
  4. Recover from and prevent injuries, or at least minimize the chance of triggering them.

Confusing Empathy

“But empathy
can be draining!”
protested
the founder.

“Give me
an example
of a time
when empathy
drained you.”
I asked.

“In my last 1-on-1
I wanted to tell my employee
how horrible
they were doing.
But I kept my mouth shut
because I didn’t want
to hurt him.”
she answered.

“What emotions did you feel
when you thought of
the possibility
of hurting him?”
I asked.

“Worry.”
she answered.

“There is nothing wrong
with feeling worry.
In fact, I appreciate your willingness to notice
and to acknowledge it.
At the same time,
I want to invite you
to not blame empathy
for our worry.”

Humility

Empathy
is not something you either have lots
or lack
it is something that has to be managed
and sometimes realized
in th moement

So much arrogance these days
is folks who claim to be empathic
and are really merely compassionate

Beyond Curiosity

There is curiosity.

Then there is
wonder.

What wonder has
that curiosity does not
is a sense
of surprise
or awe.

While curiosity
can diminish
when knowledge
is acquired,
wonder
remains.

When it comes
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201412/study-wonder

Easy vs Hard

If what is easy
is common
and what is hard
is rare.

What is common
is folks telling other people
to work harder
because thats whay they did.

What is rare
is folks admitting the luck
that made their hard work gain traction.

What is rare
is folks admitting the depression
their gri

What is rare
is folks shining light on those who acceted them
for who they are
and inspired courage from within.