Traveling Light — Empathy (1 Viewer)

[Stargazer]

Stargazer submitted a new transients.info article.

Traveling Light — Empathy

Via Remembering Infinity

I think it’s interesting how our childhood experiences have such an impact on how we perceive and react to things so much later in life, don’t you? The state of our environment in those early years has so much to do with our perspectives, our temperament, and our ways of dealing and coping with life.

In a recent post I wrote about how “different” I felt from other kids growing up. One of the differences seemed to be that I was always quite sensitive to the feelings of others—as well as my own. If one of my classmates was angry, sad, or afraid of something, I immediately related myself to their situation and almost felt their...
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[Carl]

one of my classmates was angry, sad, or afraid of something, I immediately related myself to their situation and almost felt

I had and still have the same issue Stargazer -even extended throughout my professional life. Sometimes it can be used properly by understanding and sensing what the other person if feeling as you interact, but can be overwhelming at times, thus the need to "shield" yourself to keep sanity and to focus on your own issues.

 

[Linda]

Great article - lots of food for thought. I had a younger brother, and we spent a lot of time with our Grandparents or out in the backyard. Although I was unaware of it at the time, I always "knew" things. I just assumed everyone thought and felt the same as I did.

Looking back, I can see that my saving graces where my Grandparents, who encouraged creative thinking, as well as my being funny and smart. I could make people laugh, and my peers always needed me because I could figure things out really fast. (Nothing gives you credibility with your peers like helping the athletes with their math. )

These days, as I have interactions with the children around me, I make an effort to acknowledge their feelings and ideas. I also keep things like sidewalk chalk around so we can have some fun. I had not thought about it in this way until I read this article - I like creating a space where children can be themselves. Thanks Grandmother and Grandfather for all those wonderful times and life lessons!!

 

[Pod]

Great article Star Gazer!

I do not know if I am naturally empathic or that I learned it to protect myself from a violent mother and an emotionally absent father!

I have learned to distance myself from people who have strong unconscious emotions because of the empathy. I avoid crowds.

Thanks for re-minding me.

 

[Lila]

Yep, this still catches me unawares sometimes, especially if coming from an unexpected quarter.
As you say, however, knowing this about oneself is a great tool for figuring it out so much more easily and quickly so that one can 'own' one's own piece, work it out and resolve it and give the rest back with compassion to wherever it belongs.
Best way to have a functional family that I can think of is to teach this wherever and whenever feasible!

I can't wait to live in a world where being 'sensitive' is viewed as a positive