Emotional Fitness

It’s important to be sensitive and listen first.

Emotional empathy has actually been found to be a genetic trait that's inherent, more so than taught.

You mean we are born with empathy?

Yes.

And, low and behold, women tend to be more empathetic than men, but on the whole, every person has their own genetic predisposition for emotional connection and sympathy.

The thing is, not all empathy looks and feels the same.

With the current progression and challenges within our society, we are seeing the advantages and disadvantages of the differences in empathy.

Disadvantages to empathy?

Yes.

Especially when misunderstood in communication via social media.

Just like not all sadness is the same; or happiness; or fear.

Empathy is:

"the ability to sense other people's emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling."

From a human and vulnerability perspective, empathy is communicating that incredible healing message of, “You're not alone”.

The three types of emotional empathy are: Cognitive, Emotional, and Compassionate.

Cognitive empathy: Simply knowing how the other person feels and what they might be thinking. Sometimes called perspective-taking.

This empathy is often times misconstrued as egotistical or - “what about me?” - however, cognitive empathy is a person trying to relate or see from their own perspective.

The problem is, no two lives or perspectives are the same. Even with identical twins. Intentions may be good, but when communicating this type of empathy, be careful and mindful of your choice and phrase of words.

Emotional empathy: “When you feel physically along with the other person, as though their emotions were contagious.”

You know, those moments when you feeeeeellllllllll what others are feeling. Yes, this can absolutely be comforting, however, it can also be paralyzing.

Instead of offering support, this paralyzes you from taking action to support others in need.

If this is something you’re feeling, it may be time to take a moment and hit the reset button. Filling your own cup is necessary to care for others.

Then, last - and certainly best of all...

Compassionate Empathy: With this kind of empathy we not only understand a person’s predicament and feel with them, but are spontaneously moved to help.

Compassionate empathy is what we are all striving for —— it’s taking the middle ground and using your emotional intelligence to effectively respond to a situation with loving detachment.

With compassionate empathy- we don't get sucked in and take on the person's burden or feeling. We balance mindfulness with compassionate caring, understanding and support.

Emotional fitness takes a lot practice — and it’s worth the effort, time and patience to create a more empathetic, caring situation not only for yourself - but the ones you love - and, ultimately the act of love for one another will change the world.

Stephanie