By: *Deepali Bajaj
People at their core are empathic. We all have a knack to connect, understand and communicate with other people. But this trait of empathy needs to be nurtured every day. How?
‘Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgement, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone’- says Brené Brown
These are 5 habits of highly empathic people:
1.Empathic people challenge one’s own prejudices
Empathy is feeling with people. It is to recognize emotion in other people and communicate that. Highly empathic people are able to challenge their preconceptions and prejudices by searching for what they share with people rather than what divides them.
2. Empathic people are Introspective
‘People can only meet you, as deeply as they have met themselves’- Matt Kahn. In the same situation, different people can have different feelings and experiences. The ability to recognize the perspective of another person as their truth requires us to connect with ourselves. Introspection is a way to understand ourselves and the people around us.
3. Empathic people choose to connect rather than react
Most people are not able to listen well because they are busy thinking about their response. However, it is observed that responses have rarely made situations better. Highly empathic people are active listeners. Highly empathic people are great listeners because they’re sincerely interested in hearing what the other person has to say. So, they choose to connect and listen deeply.
4. Empathic people are knowledge seekers
Empathic people have a natural curiosity to learn about others. They listen actively and intently. Curiosity expands our empathy when we talk to people outside of our usual social circle, encountering lives and world views different from our own.
5. Empathic people take cues from non-verbal communication
Communications run deeper than words alone. Empathic people are sensitive towards changed behaviours. They are able to recognize emotions gently and with kindness.
In a hyper-connected world, empathy is an important skill to possess. These 5 habits will help us to communicate efficiently and build relationships better. If we can understand the perspectives of others better, we can guide our actions accordingly.
Empathy is one of the 4 pillars on which Ginny’s Planet stands. The others being: Diversity, Disability, and Spirit of Inquiry. The course on Practicing Empathy is a part of the series of Core Workshops offered by Ginny’s Planet to children and adults either in groups or on a one-to-one basis. To know more, check Empathy Facts Series!
About Ginny’s Planet:
Ginny’s Planet is a social enterprise Co-founded by Dr. Shweta Verma in 2019. The brand runs on the core value of helping our teachers and parents to teach their children to become independent, smart, and better leaders by equipping them with a deep understanding of empathy, diversity, disability, and inclusion. Dr. Shweta and the team design events, workshops, and products to help guardians & schools to develop kids’ mindsets and evolve as adaptive and flexible human beings. They work with schools to organize workshops for children and teachers.
You may also want to read these:
- The Power of Empathy: Six habits of highly empathic people. (2015, November 3). The Mindful World.
- Aggarwal, P. (2021, October 7). Everyone is not like me! My lessons in practicing Empathy. – Ginny’s Planet. Ginny’s Planet.
References:
- Brown, B. (2021). Daring Greatly How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Portfolio.
- Marange, D. (n.d.). Six habits of highly empathic people. LinkedIn.
- Kahn, M. (2020). Whatever Arises, Love That: A Love Revolution That Begins with You (Reprint ed.). Sounds True.
- RSA. (2013, December 10). Brené Brown on Empathy [Video]. YouTube.
- Valentine, M. (n.d.). 6 Key Habits of Highly Empathic People. Goalcast.
-*Deepali Bajaj, Content Design Intern, Ginny’s Planet. She loves to explore food joints, cook food and listen to music.
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