thank you for your words and the care you put into this post. I am encouraged to keep reflecting on what my body is telling me as well as my soul. Staying in community is so important and I love how you made note of that by stating that it facilitates the healing journey.
compassion seems to have an action component to it and I want to take action when I see someone in need!
I chose compassion because I can feel and express all three within compassion. I also see a ton of examples in the Bible of Jesus demonstrating all three. So I can’t really choose just one. We need all of them.
I try to listen and understand and then empathize—for if a person knows you hear them and understand, that often is enough—then if you can offer help or advice they might accept it more readily as from one who really understands.
Sympathy is easy for me to dismiss as I find it patronizing.
However, it is difficult to answer the question between empathy and compassion. It seems to be dependent upon the context in which one finds themselves in relationship to the other.
When it comes to situations of grief, loss, pain… Compassion seems to be more the response needed. I would say that’s both in receiving and giving.
But, in situations of oppression, prejudice, ableism, injustice… Empathy seems to be more the appropriate response. Again, in both receiving and giving.
Just some personal thoughts from experience and reflection.
Thanks Erik for your reflections. Context definitely plays a role in our perceptions doesn’t it? When I first started contemplating these words my first thought was “It depends!”
Compassion is setting one's self aside and focusing on the needs of the other. Empathy and sympathy can sometimes lead to comparison - I understand because of my own experience, which can become about self at a time when the person in need doesn't have the energy to deal with what you went through. Hope this makes sense.
thank you for your words and the care you put into this post. I am encouraged to keep reflecting on what my body is telling me as well as my soul. Staying in community is so important and I love how you made note of that by stating that it facilitates the healing journey.
compassion seems to have an action component to it and I want to take action when I see someone in need!
Thank you Daisy. Yes, so true that much healing is realized through safe community more that we know!
Toss up with empathy and compassion. It's nice to not feel alone in the situation and to stand with others.
Right, it sounds like it might depend then - which ever can help us not feel alone in a difficult journey? Thanks for your thoughts!
I chose compassion because I can feel and express all three within compassion. I also see a ton of examples in the Bible of Jesus demonstrating all three. So I can’t really choose just one. We need all of them.
I hear you - we need all of them! Thanks for your thoughts Laura!
I try to listen and understand and then empathize—for if a person knows you hear them and understand, that often is enough—then if you can offer help or advice they might accept it more readily as from one who really understands.
Being heard is so important isn’t it. Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Sympathy is easy for me to dismiss as I find it patronizing.
However, it is difficult to answer the question between empathy and compassion. It seems to be dependent upon the context in which one finds themselves in relationship to the other.
When it comes to situations of grief, loss, pain… Compassion seems to be more the response needed. I would say that’s both in receiving and giving.
But, in situations of oppression, prejudice, ableism, injustice… Empathy seems to be more the appropriate response. Again, in both receiving and giving.
Just some personal thoughts from experience and reflection.
Thanks Erik for your reflections. Context definitely plays a role in our perceptions doesn’t it? When I first started contemplating these words my first thought was “It depends!”
Compassion is setting one's self aside and focusing on the needs of the other. Empathy and sympathy can sometimes lead to comparison - I understand because of my own experience, which can become about self at a time when the person in need doesn't have the energy to deal with what you went through. Hope this makes sense.
Very insightful reflection. Thank you Mary. One question which do you prefer giving and receiving?
I am very accustomed to giving, but would sometimes need to be on the receiving end and that can be very elusive.
Right - it seems easier for many of us to give to others rather than being in the position of needing to receive.