Empathy and compassion are the impressions we get when we are touched. We can see this when people who seem like they have no care in the world show us care about us. They put their own interests before our own. They are attentive to our needs, a quality that seems sincere. They make us feel needed without seeming too needy.
The quality is very important. It can move mountains, sometimes. But the truth is that there is also a dark side to it as well. The person may be able to mask his true emotions and not recognize that what he is doing is wrong. He may use others to get ahead or use their feelings to manipulate them. And he can never be truly honest with himself because there will always be someone who thinks he is dishonest.
That's why empathy and concern for others is vitally important. It helps us avoid being manipulated and deceived by others. And it helps others avoid being hurt by us. And in the end, it may be the only thing that keeps humanity moving forward.
When someone demonstrates compassion for us, it feels as though others care about us. And when they are genuinely trying to help us, it shows that they care about our well being. A quality of compassion that is demonstrated regularly is kindness. Kindness is the most rewarding of the impressions we get from others.
Not all kindnesses are welcomed and appreciated. When someone displays a certain lack of kindness, it sends a chill down the spine and reminds us that we are not special in the eyes of others. The thought that others would view us in this way sends a chill down our spine as well.
But kindnesses aren't always welcome. In fact, when we demonstrate such lack of empathy, others can sense our discomfort. This discomfort is the very thing that causes us to be self-critical. So, when we experience empathy for another, it causes us to be a little bit self-critical, but at least it prevents us from hurting or harming others. It also prevents us from behaving in a way that is inconsistent with our own sense of empathy for others.
Compassion is very closely related to empathy. When we feel compassion for others, it reminds us that they are humans with their own feelings and thoughts. If we take the time to listen and learn what they are thinking, we can learn to compassionately respond to their situations. Our compassion for ourselves springs from the knowledge that we share a commonality with those whom we are caring for. And we become a true blessing to those we do share a portion of our life with.
If we are not practicing compassionately, we will soon show signs of self-pity. Self-pity breeds negativity and resentment. It does not make us happy to be around those who suffer. On the other hand, we may fail to recognize how much suffering there is in the world because we fail to see ourselves as being affected by it. We have to remember that all beings (including ourselves) experience suffering and pain. Empathy and compassion for others is the best way to bring peace, joy and happiness into our lives.
When we care deeply about those whom we care about, we are inspired to do more - to reach out, to help and to give. When we share our lives with others, we create amazing memories that last forever. We have more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. We get more done in less time. When we are fully present in the world around us, we can notice when people are genuinely trying to help us and when they are just trying to protect their turf.
As we move through life, we encounter many difficult people who try to make us feel bad about ourselves. They want to hurt us, to control us, to exploit us, to lie to us, or to take advantage of us. We don't need them. But when they do take place, we can recognize their actions for what they truly are: attempts to manipulate, to benefit from us, or to force us to do things for their benefit. When we experience the unpleasantness of such manipulation or exploitation, we can respond with compassion and empathy, finding the kindness and caring that is essential for healing.
In conclusion, we can say that empathy and compassion are the impressions that allow us to move through the world and to love others and to feel empathy for others. We can choose to be aware of this power and use it to heal. If you feel trapped, sad or angry about something that is happening in the world, start looking for the empathy and compassion that you can experience in a safe and secure place where it doesn't harm you. Find places in your life where you are understood and nurtured, and connect deeply with others in the process.