Empathy is the ability to recognize and respond to other peoples’ emotions. It is connected to optimism because it is through a sense of our connections to others that we see our own sense of well-being and importance. Another word for this is “conscience”. Together they govern a large part of our behavior. They are the gatekeepers of our emotional selves. When we are empathic, it affects us when we hurt others and/or when we see them hurt. We actually experience for ourselves the emotions of others. It becomes a motivation not only to do what makes us feel good, but also what makes others feel good. Thus, empathy is the force that makes the Golden Rule true.
It Starts At Birth
Some parts of empathy are instinctive. Infants will reach out and touch others in distress. In maternity wards, one infant’s tears will lead to a room full of crying babies. This mimicry is the first step toward forming empathy.
Connection Is Important
Unfortunately, this unconscious or instinctive behavior does not automatically lead to conscious empathy. Instead, these seeds must be nurtured through role modeling, reinforcement, and practice. Once people develop empathy on a conscious level, it becomes natural and self-reinforcing, because it fulfills a deep-seated need to connect with others.
By George Anderson, MSW, BCD, CAMF,CEAP http://www.andersonservices.com
Anger Management Institute of Texas is a certified Anderson & Anderson ® provider.
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Gregory A. Kyles, M.A., LPC, CEAP, CAMF
Director, Anger Management Institute of Texas
Diplomate, President of Texas Chapter
American Association of Anger Management Providers
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