I used to work in downtown Seattle. Onward lucky joy. On the way home, going up 1st Ave toward my apartment in Queen Anne, I would see lost-soul street people and try to put myself in their place. More recently, in Mexico City, I've done the same.
I don't know if this is empathy, really not sure. I was raised with a Mom who taught us to remember that your circumstances in life are based a great deal on an accident of birth. Though I'm not what you'd call a religious man, I do remember that there but for the grace of God go I.
It doesn't always work for me. Sometimes I'm in a bad mood, impatient, etc., but I am pretty successful at keeping it real in this regard. I've lived on the edge (although Michigan seems like a dream to me now), rode a few trains (but mostly buses) and have shared food and drink with strangers - and they with me.
And now that I've reached the rambling part of my comment I should get on my scooter and go - and say many thanks for the article. I shall try your hack at the first opportunity. You've helped me remember something that shouldn't be forgotten.
Victor, thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I'm fascinated by all that you said, and the little glimpse you've given me of your life. My mother also gave us a good sense of our unique situation -- that everyone had it different, some "better" and some much worse.
Still, as you say, it takes effort to continue to be empathetic. But it's work that I look forward to doing every day, and this is the best kind of work.
Again, thanks for your comment and for reading. It means a lot. Have an excellent week :)
Thanks so much for reading, Eli, and thanks for your thoughtful comment. Absolutely we could use some more empathy around here. Slowly but surely. My thing? Be as empathetic as I can and hope that I'm setting an example for others to follow. Have a great day :) :)
I used to work in downtown Seattle. Onward lucky joy. On the way home, going up 1st Ave toward my apartment in Queen Anne, I would see lost-soul street people and try to put myself in their place. More recently, in Mexico City, I've done the same.
I don't know if this is empathy, really not sure. I was raised with a Mom who taught us to remember that your circumstances in life are based a great deal on an accident of birth. Though I'm not what you'd call a religious man, I do remember that there but for the grace of God go I.
It doesn't always work for me. Sometimes I'm in a bad mood, impatient, etc., but I am pretty successful at keeping it real in this regard. I've lived on the edge (although Michigan seems like a dream to me now), rode a few trains (but mostly buses) and have shared food and drink with strangers - and they with me.
And now that I've reached the rambling part of my comment I should get on my scooter and go - and say many thanks for the article. I shall try your hack at the first opportunity. You've helped me remember something that shouldn't be forgotten.
Victor, thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I'm fascinated by all that you said, and the little glimpse you've given me of your life. My mother also gave us a good sense of our unique situation -- that everyone had it different, some "better" and some much worse.
Still, as you say, it takes effort to continue to be empathetic. But it's work that I look forward to doing every day, and this is the best kind of work.
Again, thanks for your comment and for reading. It means a lot. Have an excellent week :)
Matt
I celebrate any thoughtful piece written about empathy. This is one. It is the great balm the nation needs.
Thanks so much for reading, Eli, and thanks for your thoughtful comment. Absolutely we could use some more empathy around here. Slowly but surely. My thing? Be as empathetic as I can and hope that I'm setting an example for others to follow. Have a great day :) :)
My family calls me Malfoy (harry potter reference) because i lack in this department....good hack
Thanks, Josh. Malfoy, that's good. Lol. I guess better than them calling you Voldemort.