If I had to name the one catalyst for positive change in the world, I’d say empathy. It is the foundation on which every authentic relationship is built and the key to a deep and meaningful connection.

Being able to empathize with others—putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes—helps people feel not only accepted, but truly heard and understood. When we are going through a challenging time in our lives, having the support of someone who can feel or identify with your pain helps tremendously with the healing process.

In Roman Kryznaric’s new book, Empathy: Why It Matters, and How To Get It, he explains how to recognize our empathetic potential and utilize it to make a difference in the world. One section in his book that particularly stood out to me is this excerpt on the six habits of highly empathic people:

Habit 1: Switch On Your Empathic Brain

Shifting our mental frameworks to recognize that empathy is at the core of human nature and that it can be expanded throughout our lives.

Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get ItHabit 2: Make the Imaginative Leap

Making a conscious effort to step into other people’s shoes—including those of our “enemies”—to acknowledge their humanity, individuality, and perspectives.

Habit 3: Seek Experiential Adventures

Exploring lives and cultures that contrast with our own through direct immersion, empathic journeying, and social cooperation.

Habit 4: Practice the Craft of Conversation

Fostering curiosity about strangers and radical listening and taking off our emotional masks.

Habit 5: Travel in Your Armchair

Transporting ourselves into other people’s minds with the help of art, literature, film, and online social networks.

Habit 6: Inspire a Revolution

Generating empathy on a mass scale to create social change and extending our empathy skills to embrace the natural world.

 


Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.

Excerpted from Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It by Roman Krznaric. © 2014 by Roman Krznaric. Perigee, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Click here to see more of Rose’s tips for healthy and happy relationships

Post Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns.

2 Comments

  • Sandra Wallis
    Posted December 3, 2015 5:21 pm 0Likes

    I have read the book and found it very inspiring, great article, Rose!!

  • Beatrice
    Posted December 3, 2015 5:29 pm 0Likes

    Love the six habits! Especially #3, going out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow.

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