The way empathy seems to happen is:
You see me--
or you imagine me--
experiencing a strong feeling, maybe pain or disgust:
You mirror my response in your brain.
You mimic me with your body,
(your face crinkles in the exact same way as mine does).
You respond to me on an emotional level and more into empathetic concern for me; You help me.
As we imitate others, we also communicate and show them that we feel for them; this creates instant connection. In some recent studies on forgiveness, nearly every injured partner said his or her lover commented with some version of, "I can't forgive you until I see that you feel my pain. Until I know that my pain hurts you too."
The more you are able to tune in and deal with your own emotions will greatly affect how you deal with others and feel empathy for them. The attainment of emotional balance allows us to engage with, feel for, and respond to the concerns of others.
Sue Johnson - Love Sense
You see me--
or you imagine me--
experiencing a strong feeling, maybe pain or disgust:
You mirror my response in your brain.
You mimic me with your body,
(your face crinkles in the exact same way as mine does).
You respond to me on an emotional level and more into empathetic concern for me; You help me.
As we imitate others, we also communicate and show them that we feel for them; this creates instant connection. In some recent studies on forgiveness, nearly every injured partner said his or her lover commented with some version of, "I can't forgive you until I see that you feel my pain. Until I know that my pain hurts you too."
The more you are able to tune in and deal with your own emotions will greatly affect how you deal with others and feel empathy for them. The attainment of emotional balance allows us to engage with, feel for, and respond to the concerns of others.
Sue Johnson - Love Sense
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