Empathy Requires Connecting
I recall a trip to Lake Macquarie, as a teenager, with my church youth group. The afternoon and early evening had been filled with backyard cricket, swimming, snooker and table tennis.
Just before dinner, one of the other boys began to share more deeply about emotional struggles and pain from his past.
I had such an instant need to fix things for him, I immediately began sprouting possible solutions. I recall my youth group leader looking at me and gently saying, “Pete, let’s just listen”.
That lesson has stayed with me for life.
‘We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm. Some of us are on super-yachts. Some have just the one oar.’ – Damian Barr, Writer
While we are all dealing with the same pandemic, it is important to remember that our personal journeys may be very different.
Non Nobis Solum – Not for Ourselves Alone
Empathy is a critical feature of a healthy vibrant community. Reaching out to others takes courage, showing empathy can be a vulnerable choice.
When faced with very difficult conversations, we often just want to try to make things better with advice. Rarely a response makes something better.
What makes something better is connection.
Empathy is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of 'you're not alone’. - Brene Brown
The last two years have, at times, been draining on us all. Some in our community have faced very challenging circumstances. Some will have further challenges ahead.
One of my favourite sayings to children over the years has been …….
………… ‘Have eyes for others’.
As we head into a new year, may we keep our eyes and ears open, being empathetic, and sowing into our special Mosman Prep community.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
