Forward Empathy

Themes: Empathy, Grounding, mindfulness
Helpful for: Anxiety, stress, trauma, depression

Learning to stay in the present and forwarding my empathy is one of the greatest techniques I’ve developed to make life easier. Our biggest struggles come from wishing something will happen - or won’t. I truly believe that life gets easier when we can suspend our thoughts about what’s already occurred or what might happen. Living in the present is the most important thing we can do for our mental health, especially when you’re in a situation where you can’t move and it’s all a matter of chance.

Learning About Empathy on Airplane Rides

For years, I had the worst luck when it came to flying around and my airplane seat partners. Each one was worse than the last. I remember once, I sat next to a passenger who took their shoes off and the smell was so bad that I turned my sweatshirt around so the hood covered my face and I wouldn’t smell it. It was miserable. But one day, I decided to stop worrying about who would be beside me or not. And guess what? I suddenly had the best seat partners in the world. Seat partners I wanted to spend time - and that I would have given money for gas to continue those flights! This change didn’t happen because I suddenly met the most wonderful people. It happened because I really worked to stay in the present. Instead of worrying about what horror story I was waiting to experience, or focusing on the past bad experiences I’d had, I began to look for the best in people. I learned to sit and listen, finding people’s best parts and strengths. Every moment became more enjoyable because I sent my empathy ahead of me - I forwarded my empathy - and allowed myself to change perspectives on what awaited me. The idea of forwarding empathy can apply to lots of different situations. When I’m waiting in line and struggling to be patient, or sitting next to a stranger on the plane, I remember that I have the power to choose empathy. I have the power to stay present and look at the good in my situation. This empathy allows me to be more at peace in challenging situations. This week, I dare you to forward your own empathy in a difficult situation. Try to be present and look for the good, the strengths, and the humanity in the people around you.