Empathy...Easy To Say, But Hard To Do

   The dictionary definition of EMPATHY is: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In my opinion, empathy is a foundation for building a thriving and supportive community.

   When you can directly relate to something someone is going through, it will sometimes give you a drive and motivation to help that person, especially if what you went through was a traumatic event for yourself. You can't just sit back and watch someone else go through it and possibly have the same outcome as you.

   In order to empathize with others, good communication is needed. Verbally, non-verbally, and by listening are all good communication skills to have when trying to see the bigger picture and trying to help others. In addition to effective communication good powers of imagination are required to empathize with others. Everybody sees the world differently, based on their experiences, their up-bringing, culture, religion, opinions and beliefs.  In order to empathize with another person you need to see the world from their perspective and therefore need to use some imagination as to what their perspective is based on, how they see the world and why they see it differently from you.