Friday, May 13, 2016

Ponderings Along the Pathway...EMPATHY

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about EMPATHY and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...


Empathy is defined as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” Unlike sympathy, which are “feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune”, empathy is the ability to project yourself into another person’s situation.

In WORDS, it is the difference between I’m so sorry for your loss instead of I lost my dad in the Springtime, too. Do you want to talk about it?

In ACTIONS, it is the difference between crying for someone and crying with someone.

In THOUGHTS, it’s the difference between trying to get even with someone who has hurt you vs. trying to understand their situation.

We must try to walk the Path of Life with sensitivity and a soft heart. In the world we live in, that is to say we must try to walk with courage. The courage to feel what our fellow walkers are feeling, the courage to give a damn, the courage to be outraged over injustice and cruelty and hopelessness.

As we travel down the Path, we should walk with the people we love in their fear and sadness. We should try to offer them the understanding and healing they need by letting them know they are not alone. That’s all we can ever do, and I hope it’s enough.

Hope to meet up with you on the Path some day!


What will your words, actions and thoughts reflect as you meet people along life's Pathway?  I hope I have the courage to ALWAYS step up and do what needs doing.
 
Well folks, that is it for today but please be sure to join us on Monday for the midway.  Enjoy your weekend everyone!


1 comment:

ScrappyHorses said...

Beautiful writing, Pat.