What the World Needs Now Is ... Empathy
You thought we were going to say, "Love," didn't you? Yes, the world could certainly use some love, sweet, love, but maybe we should start with empathy.
The world sure seems like a hostile divisive place at the moment. Again, we emphasize this has nothing to do with religion, any one political affiliation, or social stance. We are speaking from integrative health practitioners who consider you, the whole person, and how stress, negativity, isolation, and depression affect your health. Channeling our inner Zen, we know that this too, shall pass, but how? Perhaps with each of us trying to infuse a little more empathy into our lives.
What is Empathy
Psychology Today defines empathy as the ability to recognize, understand, and share the thoughts and feelings of another person, animal, or fictional character. Read the entire article here.
How to Practice Empathy
A Google search will reveal endless suggestions. Here are a few we've curated a few articles to help start you on your way:
Deepak Chopra in The New York Times
Summarizing Thoughts
Empathy is learned, not innate-- so let's practice
We don't have to like or agree with the other's opinion, merely validate and acknowledge it.
Read this true story of the unlikely friendship between the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Antonin Scalia. You may have seen it on Facebook.
Unfortunately, there are a number of things that there's just too little of, but empathy, if not love, wouldn't be a bad place to start.