Why Empathy is So Important During a Crisis
Let’s talk about empathy and why maintaining your ability to empathize is so important – especially now.
We as a nation, as a people, and as individuals have been in a continuous state of crisis. The world is on fire and we are getting burned. The salve is our empathy. We wear our masks to protects others, we protest on behalf of the well-being of the downtrodden and oppressed, and we fight for change, reform, and progress on behalf of those who cannot.
Now, more-than-ever is the time lead by example and lead with empathy. Empathy on a global scale would be ideal but working on a personal level is a great start. During a crisis, people become reactionary which can not only be “unhelpful, but dangerous.”
Empathy may seem to some like a weakness. But there is great power in it. As a crucial part of your emotional intelligence empathy provides you with the ability to be self-aware and other-aware leading to healthier well-being of yourself and others.
How is your empathy helping others through this crisis?
Connectivity.
We’re still in the throes of social distancing and on the verge of another national quarantine. How much more lack of human contact can we handle? All of it, because we’re going to focus on connecting in healthy and meaningful ways. So, ditch the social media and pull out your paper and pens. Write a letter, make a phone call, schedule a face time. Physical distance does not have to lead to emotional distance and a simple phone call can change someone’s entire day.
Awareness.
Most of us are just going through the motions. The feelings of despair can be overwhelming and difficult to process. Letting someone know that you’re feeling the same way could be the difference between them switching up their emotions and giving up altogether.
Kindness.
Sometimes we take being kind for granted. As Empaths, it feels like a natural life choice. Be. Kind. Kindness goes a long way when given to people who know that you aren’t waiting for some kind of retribution. It may even give them the boost they need to be kind to someone else. And that person to be kind to someone else. See how that happens?
Consideration.
It’s easy for people to judge others based on little-to-no facts or information. Considering the lack of detail we have regarding others in this time is a step towards allowing them to cope in this crisis in the best way they know. If it’s not the healthiest way, step in and show kindness and guide them in a better way. If it’s safe and working for them, consider their emotional intelligence and ability and cheer them on. We’re not alone in this crisis, but we are still individuals.
Building your empathy through the actions above will make your ability to empathize with others stronger and your ability to care for yourself easier. But what kind of empathy are you building on?
Three Types of Empathy
Cognitive
Your ability to see/understand things from another’s perspective.
Emotional
Your ability to feel another’s emotions.
Compassionate
Your preternatural desire to help another, combined with understanding their perspective and feeling their emotions.
If this were an RPG (role-playing game) you would pick and choose your empathy type and roll for your empathy level. Unfortunately, this is real life. If you are inherently empathetic – a highly sensitive person – you may experience a little of each of these types of empathy. If you are a Super Empath you may experience an abundance of all of these types of empathy.
It can feel overwhelming to wield so much emotional power and it can be draining to attempt to maintain so much emotional intelligence. But do not fear: Call on me to help you hone your empathic abilities for your own good as well as others’, and guide you in learning tools to protect your emotional health and well-being as you navigate the power of your empathy.
The world can’t burn forever…not when your empathy is raining down upon it.
Bonus Content:
I don’t have a TedTalk yet, but you can watch this one about the Power of Empathy:
