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Based on the writing by Jay Litvin, here is my reflection:
According to my understanding of empathy, sympathy, and compassion, they all are threads of the texture of spirituality. I do not think of these spiritual qualities in my mind but feel them in my heart and manifest them in my daily life. There are two aspects of these qualities: self and other. Two sides of the same coin. Self-care, self -empathy, self -sympathy and self-compassion and empathizing, sympathizing and feeling compassion for others. I cannot give others what I don't have within myself. As Thich Nhat Hanh says, " Loving oneself is the foundation of loving others." Others regardless of caste, color, race, gender and religion. These spiritual qualities are like seeds in the soil of consciousness. They need to be cultivated and nurtured. When I am that state of consciousness I feel uplifted, enriched, and fulfilled. Being alert and aware of my thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions helps me to walk on this spiritual path. It is a blessing. May we all cultivate and nourish such spiritual qualities in our life. Namaste!
3 Comments
Debbie Podwika
11/18/2023 03:42:34 pm
To me, Empathy is a mere understanding of what another is going through. Sympathy to me is the understanding and feeling bad for them. Compassion takes it one step further where one wants to do what you can to help them. I don't think either of them require that one has gone through what the other is going through, though if one did it makes the understanding, feeling and desire to help much more intense because you have some idea what they are going through. I do believe all 3 come from one's understanding (brain & heart) of Love. Now, I have to say I'm not sure I agree with you on not being able to give these 3 to others if you cannot give them to yourself. I agree you can't love others without loving yourself, at least some, but I feel sometimes it is easier to give love than to receive it from others or give to yourself. I know many who can feel these 3 for others, but it is hard for them to give it to themselves. I remember when I lost my mom. As we followed my mom's coffin out of the church, my cousin grabbed my bent elbow from behind and came right up to my ear and said, "I have no words." I had seen her at the wake etc. This was such intense compassion from her. I could feel how much pain she felt. I could feel she understood how much pain I was in. I could feel how much she wished she could take it all away from me. She had not lost her parents at that point, though 20 days later she lost her father, and it was my turn to try to provide compassion for her. I think it also depends on how close you are to the person(s) and what is the event happening to them. For example, my compassion for the people in Ukraine & Gaza is much different than say if I knew people there, had family there or was from there myself. I think those who do not have these 3 or do not feel them as intensely is either they do not understand love fully or they have had to train themselves a bit to temper it some at times, say doctors or police officers to be able to do their jobs without breaking down all the time. 11/18/2023 04:03:37 pm
I can't give away what I don't have. How can I love you if I call myself negative names? I struggled with learning to give myself positive affirmations as good job, great idea, I am the beloved daughter of our Creator, etc.
Elaine noonan
11/18/2023 10:20:08 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Dave’s reflection and heartfelt observations. I enjoy the “you mentioned from Thich Nhat Hanh Leave a Reply. |
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