Awareness + Empathy + ACTION = Compassion It all starts with awareness. Do we see or recognize what others are feeling? If your friend lost their pet dog they are probably going to be sad or upset. We know this by both listening to their story and observing their facial expression or their body language. When we can put ourselves in that ‘persons shoes’ and feel the same feelings in your mind and body – we call that empathy. When we take action and give them a hug or listen to their stories about their dog we are showing COMPASSION.
Compassion is the results of awareness and empathy in those that take action. Without action we are simply listening and even comparing the feelings of ourselves with others. Sometimes though it is difficult to figure out how a person is feeling. Someone may show one emotion on the outside and truthfully feel different on the inside. Or they may be feeling two different emotions at the same time. It is possible to be a “little happy” and “a little sad”.
Imagine your friend is moving to a new school. They may be sad to be leaving their friends at this school – but happy about the adventure of a new community, school and friends. Using our awareness skills of listening, observing and empathy will help us to know what the compassionate ACTION to take that would be the most helpful.
How do you figure out how someone else is feeling?