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Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s feelings by putting yourself in their shoes. You see the situation from their point of view free of judgement through active listening and reflection.
You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself— John Steinbeck
Before understanding others, a core requirement for being empathetic is recognising and reflecting on your own emotions. Being unable to dissect through your own feelings can create barriers in understanding their existence and depth in others. Although some people are innately empathetic, it is largely a learned skill influenced by our willingness, upbringing and relationships.
Upbringing in environments that prevented expression of feelings and emotions is less likely to instill empathy. Relationships based on idealistic rather than realistic expectations can also impede our true assessment of other’s feelings.
The culture of unrelenting hustle and productivity where we do more, be more and create more has left little space for the feelings of others. We are becoming so focused on our own needs and achievements, it can be difficult and even exhausting to make room for others.
