Recently in my life I have observed one specific person practicing more empathy than anyone else. The man I'm talking about is a pledge brother of mine named Chris and I've never seen someone truly care more about making another person feel comfortable in so many different ways. I've seen the man stay up late talking with another guy about his future when he was down. In this instance the guy was having a panic attack doubting everything in his life from his career, his happiness, and his relationship with his girlfriend. Although I was in the room trying to help as well, I hit a moment when I realized my empathy and words didn't have near the impact that Chris's did. It was because he truly felt the pain and wanted to relinquish our other friend of it. Another instance even though it was far back was Chris helping me. I was so far behind in a class and just couldn't seem to grasp the material. Chris completely understood the material and decided that his lack of sleep was worth helping me out. The man stayed up studying/tutoring me for hours into the night. By no means did he have to do that but I could tell he felt my stress and wanted to make me feel better. He had no incentive in doing this, rather he just cared about me just as he did the other night with my friend.
From some of Chris's actions I've learned that giving someone your time with full attention is one of the best gifts you can give someone. True empathy is sacrifice in my opinion because that means you are putting yourself in their shoes just to walk with them to a better place. What I have learned from Chris is that you are never too tired, too busy, too anything to give someone else your time when they are in a hurting state. For that I will be doing my best to give more people my full attention and input in times of struggle and the happy times as well. That in my mind is the best characteristic of empathy.
 |
| I found this picture describing Empathy as one on Flickr. |
No comments:
Post a Comment