Theme Essay: EMPATHY

Feeling empathy is truly special because its the one time where we can connect with someone on a whole different level. When I have the feeling of empathy, I'm capable of relating to or understanding the feelings and emotions of someone else. Empathy begins with being aware of that person's feelings. I would have to emotionally put myself in their place to feel exactly what they feel. The only way I can empathize anything is if I've experienced that same feeling they're going through. For example, if you've never fallen and broke a bone, you can't experience true pain. A simple hug or touch would be able to show the feeling of empathy to another person.

At one time or another, we have all felt that nobody understands what we're going through, I know I have. We feel that nobody in the world could truly relate to our situation and feel what we're feeling. Statistics show that in the western world, 1 in 4 people suffer from depression sometime in their lifetime, and yet we feel so alone and helpless. Today's society just looks away from the pain and does not want to believe that such an affliction actually exists. Ignoring these problems doesn't just affect the sufferers, but also the whole society. It's just like a chain reaction, when one person is depressed, it brings down the day of others around them and so on. If we could take a few minutes to actually listen and care, our empathy could make the world a happier place.

I would usually get the feeling of empathy towards someone when I get the emotional information about them and the situation itself. By gathering information about the feelings of others, I get to know them a little better. I understand where they come from, how they interpret certain situations, and their sensitivity. As I come to get to know them on an emotional level, its likely that I'll begin to see the similarites between our feelings and emotions. When I begin to see that our emotional needs match, I start to identify their pain and relate to them, therefore I empathize with them. Although empathy is usually used in reference to "sense someone's painful feelings", it can also apply to someone's feelings of pride and accomplishment. A simple gesture to show a sign of positive empathy would be a high-five.

These days, we all have things to care about and take care of. As a teenager, I care about the latest fashion trends, taking care of my skin, babysitting my little sister, staying healthy, and finishing up household chores. As a student, I care a lot about getting homework done on time, making it to class, studying for upcoming exams, and trying to get good grades. With a busy schedule, sometimes I don't make the time to just stop, listen to someone's feelings, and empathize with them or just be there for them. I don't have much time to just watch a movie with a lonely friend in the afternoon or take them out to the beach and just listen to their problems. It seems as though we all don't have much time in our busy lives to take the time and spend time with a hurting friend and empathize, therefore most times, we lack the sense of empathy.

Empathy is such an overused but misunderstood word. We hear about how to be empathetic, we must understand where the other is coming from. We are encouraged to be people of empathy and empathize with the problems of our family, friends, and other people. Empathy definately isn't for everyone, especially people who aren't "emotionally expressive". But if everyone were to feel empathy for one another, our lives would be so much more meaningful, joyful, and full of love. On the other hand, if we all lived in a world with indifference and inconsideration, we'd live like robots, heartless and emotionless. Don't be afraid to show your empathy to others because its something we don't want to take for granted.