Developing and sustaining empathy is a powerful tool for self-improvement. However, continuing to grow this aspect of your personhood becomes more difficult in the face of things like loss, tragedy, and violence. It may be tempting to shut out the things that are seemingly too much for you to process, but empathy isn’t something to turn off and on. We’ll explore how to develop your empathy during hardship to help you continue on your personal growth journey despite feeling disconnected.
Acknowledge Your Emotions and Give Yourself Space To Feel
The first step in developing empathy involves acknowledging your emotions. When hearing someone vent about difficult situations, it is common to experience a range of feelings, but many try to suppress these reactions to focus only on listening. Instead of burying these emotions for the sake of being a good friend or listener, it is crucial to give yourself space to feel them. This process involves recognizing your emotional state and understanding that it is OK to have these feelings, no matter what they are, in response to what’s happening.
By acknowledging your emotions and expressing yourself at appropriate times, you gain a better understanding of yourself and maintain the emotional wherewithal to continue listening. Remember, you will need to show up for yourself in order to also show up for others.
Avoid Making Assumptions
Another important aspect of developing empathy is being mindful of your assumptions. We all make assumptions from time to time. However, these assumptions can create barriers between ourselves and others. When you assume, you run the risk of misunderstanding or misinterpreting other people’s feelings or actions.
Strive to listen more and judge less. Try to understand the other person’s perspective before forming an opinion. By doing so, you can prevent misunderstandings and build stronger, more empathetic relationships.
Take Action When Possible
Empathy is not just about understanding others’ feelings; it also involves taking action when possible. If you see someone struggling, offer help. Whether it is lending a listening ear or offering practical assistance, your action shows that you genuinely understand and care about their situation.
Remember, empathy requires action. It is about demonstrating compassion and understanding through your deeds. By taking meaningful action, you show genuine empathy and contribute positively to the lives of others. Taking action alongside others can also help you see empathy on display and remember that, despite the struggles around you, there are good people working to make the world better.
Developing your empathy during hardship is no easy feat. It is always going to be easier to close our eyes to goings-on and focus only on our own experiences as a matter of emotional safety. However, so long as you stay grounded and present in your life, you can find opportunities to continue to grow as a person, no matter the hardship at hand.