-CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE AND TAKE A SCREEN SHOT TO USE AS PHONE WALLPAPER FOR A PRACTICE REMINDER-
SELF: An empathetic person can identify and understand how others feel. To develop more empathy, spend time observing yourself and others, and be more honest and open about feelings. Empathy creates deeper meaning and intimacy in relationships, and it helps people comprehend the subtleties that drive others. Empathy is a bridge that people’s needs and feelings meet on to be fully understood and engaged with.
RELATIONSHIPS: Empathetic people can step outside their own egos and see others as individuals, who are not just extensions of their own needs or concerns. Mindfulness practice can help you learn to empathize more by reducing the tension in your mind, body, and emotions. It's easier to notice and care about others when you’re not always fielding conflict in your own thoughts and feelings.
PRACTICE: Go into your day with the intention of tuning into different people’s feelings, by taking a “feeling snapshot” of what they might be going through in a particular moment. Consider what they’re doing, their needs/wants, and their history. If you don’t know them very well, imagine what their needs, wants, and history might be. Speak with them to confirm your predictions, when possible or appropriate.
Excerpt From
Mindful Intelligence: and the making of you