Every person has grown up with some understanding about his family, his surroundings, his friends and in his journey of transition from a baby to toddler, toddler to a child, child to adolescence, adolescence to adulthood, he/she has been aware of him/herself. With great understanding comes knowledge and power. As we grow up, not only we learn to self-care but also care of someone else. Very often in the hustle and bustle of life, we tend to ignore or avoid the power of understanding oneself or others. This world has demanded a lot more from humanity and has pulled most of us into a black hole where we cannot think but just follow orders. We are improving in technology. Just look at how AI is slowly taking over the power of a human mind. For example, my kiddo had to attempt his ASSET exam today. He had a proctor with whom he could chat if he had any doubt. At the same time he had an AI programmed BOT who was constantly monitoring his movement, facial expression and any slight suspicious activity would be captured by the BOT and disqualify him. Coming back to the topic, “understanding” has many vocab words and synonyms but to fit it correctly into our lives is a puzzle in today’s hi-fi living.
Being sympathetic to someone else’s grief or simply listening doesn’t require a degree. It is just appreciating what someone has to say or experienced. To be able to understand someone’s beliefs, dreams, feelings is to empathize from another perspective. To be flexible with our emotions and point f view.
Most often we have seen people doing charity or standing up for a cause. Some may be doing it genuinely or some may just enjoy the pomp. Whatever the case, there are some “rigid minded” people who want things their way and have low toleration towards others. If you do not do as per what they say, they get annoyed easily. It is possible that the circumstances of the opponent is not favorable at that point.
Empathy helps in understanding others and respond accordingly. Children respond well with empathetic parents. Knowing, being able to relate helps in relationships. Respecting the belief of another is a lot to do with EQ than IQ. Connecting on a deeper level with others is a feeling of contentment within.
Be empathetic and not sympathetic.
18-10-20