Empathy

My favorite definition of empathy is written in The Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. Brene (2021) defines empathy as “the most powerful tool of compassion, is an emotional skill set that allows us to understand what someone is experiencing and to reflect back that understanding” (Brown, 2021, p.120).

Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, emotions, and perspectives. It involves stepping into someone else's shoes, seeing the world from their viewpoint, and genuinely connecting with their experiences and emotions. Empathy is an important aspect of human social interaction, as it enables individuals to relate to others, offer support, and build deeper connections. It can be expressed through listening attentively, showing understanding, and offering compassion and support to those in need.

References:

Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the heart: mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience (First edition.). Random House.