Why We Need Empathy, You Ask?

Summary

The website content emphasizes the importance of empathy in personal happiness and societal well-being, suggesting that understanding and sharing the feelings of others can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Abstract

The article discusses the significance of empathy in addressing personal unhappiness and the tendency to self-criticize. It posits that empathy, the ability to feel and alleviate others' pain, is a key to overcoming feelings of inadequacy and the desire to be loved and remembered. The author argues that acts of kindness, regardless of one's financial status, can bring inner peace and self-worth. Personal anecdotes illustrate the lasting impact of simple acts of empathy, such as providing food or assistance to strangers. The article concludes by affirming that empathy fosters a sense of companionship and hope in the world, suggesting that it is a vital practice for individuals and society as a whole.

Opinions

The author believes that much of our unhappiness stems from self-inflicted questions of inadequacy and a lack of self-love.
Empathy is presented as a solution to these feelings, providing a way to connect with others and feel better about oneself.
Acts of empathy and kindness are not exclusive to the wealthy; anyone can engage in them and reap the emotional rewards.
The author reflects on the profound and lasting effects of receiving help from strangers, indicating that such experiences leave a significant mark on one's life.
There is a suggestion that while we may not always remember the acts of empathy we have shown, those who receive them do, and this contributes to a larger, positive impact on the world.
The author endorses the idea that we are all interconnected, with a responsibility to support each other through life's journey, echoing the sentiment of spiritual guru Ram Dass.
Empathy is described as an essential human ornament, one that triggers a ripple effect of kindness and hope when practiced.

Why We Need Empathy, You Ask?

We are often unhappy. We say it’s other people or life situations perturbing us. Truth is we are self-flagellating ourselves.

“Why am I less than? Why have I failed? Why don’t they love me?”

We are drowning in the Ocean of “whys.”

We feel low self-esteem. We know time is running out. We want to leave a legacy. We want to be loved.

But we don’t know how.

Empathy is the key to those questions. It’s the answer, the solution. Empathy is the ability to feel the pain of others and help them in their struggles.

When we bring something positive into the life of others, we feel serenity. We feel important. We feel good about ourselves. We see ourselves in a good light.

We don’t have to be billionaires or rich to engage in philanthropy and charity. We can do it from whatever strata of life we are in.

Yes, we can extend help even when we ourselves are going through tough times. That’s when magic happens, and we earn respect.

Fifteen years ago, a stranger gave me a pair of sandals when mine got stolen on a train. I remember him fondly. I remember the woman who fed me aloo-paratha in Heathrow Airport. The guy who gave me his phone to talk when we were stranded in Kathmandu airport. People who offered hungry me curd rice in the train.

I don’t know them. I will never know them. But they left an indelible mark in my life.

I must have done similar things for people. The monetary helps, the free guidance, consultations, the life lessons. I am finding these hard to recollect, maybe those who benefited keep track of that.

Remember spiritual guru Ram Dass says: “We are just walking each other home.”

As we cross the desert of life in a caravan, we better be pleasant companions, offering each other water, food, and shelter when the haboob shows us.

Empathy is the most beautiful ornament you can wear. Just by practicing it, you are setting off a ripple effect. While on layovers, as I see one stranger help the other even in simple ways, I feel warm inside. I feel hopeful for the world.

So now you know, empathy is the mantra that can open the portals of feeling good for you.