Using Empathy: Strengthening the Bonds that Connect Us

Two people are sitting together, with one person wrapping their arm around the other person's back as an expression of support.

Using Empathy: Strengthening the Bonds that Connect Us

Empathy, the ability to comprehend and share the sentiments of others, is an elemental aspect of our human experience. We can connect on a deeper level, where we understand compassion and attachment. Contrary to popular belief, empathy is not an innate quality but a skill we can practice and master over time. 

Why is empathy important? 

Empathy is essential for building and strengthening relationships with anyone in any capacity. If we can understand what someone is experiencing, we enter their emotions, experiences, and perspectives. This new connective understanding of the person allows you to respond with patience and trust and build a sense of belonging for them. The biggest question is how we can strengthen our empathy. 

Understanding yourself 

The first thing you can do to improve your empathy is to better understand yourself. Don't ignore your own emotions. It would help if you always tried to self-reflect on your life. If you are going to be empathetic towards other people, you need to begin by learning who you are. 

Active listening 

Try active listening by being fully present in your conversations with people. If you give them your undivided attention, maintain eye contact, and try to ignore outside sensors like your phone, you can understand where they are coming from. Use your time to reflect on what they've said to think about what they are describing.  

Perspective-taking 

When someone describes their feelings, you must go beyond just understanding them. It would help if you tried practicing perspective-taking, which is about putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Try to imagine what they are going through from everything you know about them. This allows you to expand your worldview and enhance your empathy.  

Diversifying your experiences 

It is easy to fall under our own biases from what we've experienced. Creating a diverse organization or becoming more empathetic is also about challenging yourself to interact with people who are very different. This exposure broadens your understanding and challenges any preconceived notions or biases you may hold. 

Empathy is a superpower 

Lastly, empathy is a skill we need to practice constantly. Use it in your everyday life. This can be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend in need, volunteering in your community, or supporting causes that promote social justice and equality. 

It is not always easy; it requires us to step outside ourselves and truly connect with others. However, by actively cultivating empathy, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world, one interaction at a time. 

In friendship,

Zane Landin

Member, Washington D.C.