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Empathy: Antidote for a Planet in Peril
To feel and to begin with feelings, this is the heart of Empathy.
“How are you?” you ask.
We have just met up on the busy street corner of a city bustling with people moving in, around and about their lives. They’re shopping for food for this evening’s meal; leaving work; and hurrying to catch buses and taxis.
“I’m okay,” I sigh, my shoulders rolling forward and down towards my belly. My breath is short and a bit labored. Fortunately, you notice these things. You wait, as I feel unsure if I should actually proceed in being honest with you about how not okay I am.
“No, really, how are you?” you press, and the sound of your sturdy voice has me leaning in, trusting that I can relay my experience and that you will try to not just listen but to understand me, as well.
“I am exhausted,” I confide. “It’s been two years…
Two years of lone parenting a young child in the midst of a planet consumed with fear and promoting isolation.”
“It’s insane,” my intense voice begins to boom.
“We were never meant to do this alone!
I can’t do it anymore.” I stomp a foot, as I transfer my weight from my left leg to my right.
— — — — — — — — — — — — ……. How do you respond?
