"Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?" - Henry David Thoreau
Something I have been observing more and more these days is the lack of empathy our world has. Even from those who claim they are spiritual and have empathy for the world. It is so easy to fall prey and judge others for not having the same views. I, myself, am not immune.
What might be simple for you, might not be for someone else. Each of us have our own unique make up. We all learn differently. We all have different energy. We all have different childhood experiences. We all have different programming from our parents, family and societies. And we all handle life differently.
In these crazy times, there has been so much judgement towards others who don't believe in our views. Not much empathy has been shown at all. A lot of hatred, anger, and fear. Even from those who claim to be spiritually awakened.
It really has had me thinking deeper on my own experiences in life and where I need to be more empathetic. Just because I was able to do something, doesn't mean it will be easy or even possible for the next. What has been possible for me does not mean it is for the next. There are many many factors that are at play.
In the past 4 months, I have been criticized for how I choose to school my child, whether I believe in Covid or not, for wearing a mask, how much I meditate, for asking for help, for feeling exhausted, for being a solo mother, for having an autoimmune disorder, whether I use essential oils for my heath, for choosing to work for myself, for being laid off from one of my jobs, for living at poverty level, for not having health insurance, for caring about my black friends and family, for caring about the police officers who are my friends and family, for caring so much about the livelihood of other humans...
Some things I have learned from this is how mentally ill our world is. How empathy and kindness are not on the top of people's agendas. How much pain people are in on a daily basis and express it outwards onto others. How many people are running around with Complex PTSD and don't have any idea. The amount of lack of self knowledge is running rabid in this world. How much the smallest childhood trauma can affect adulthood. How much certain phrases and words make a difference in a child's life. How children are like sponges and mirrors of the adults around them. How we don't spend enough time feeling our emotions and spending too much time in reaction. How we don't walk in each other's shoes. How we expect other's to do as we do. How hatred, anger, guilt, shame, self doubt, self consciousness and fear can hold us back from living our best lives. How opening our ears and eyes to other people's experiences can expand our heart and bring on empathy.
We truly don't know what others are going through, even if they tell you. We can't truly walk in another person's shoes. However, we can listen and see them for their experiences.
This video below was created 7 years ago, yet I feel it really needs to be replayed over and over again.
Disclaimer: this is from my own experience, my own observations, my own perception from listening to my own clients, reading people's posts & comments, watching people's videos, years of research for my own inner healing journey. It's a generalized observation and it might not be about you.
#empathy #observation #perception #programming #self reflection #love #hatred #fear #life lessons #childhood trauma #self awareness #know thyself #empowerment #awakening