I am noticing in everyday interactions how modern humans we are,
As modern humans we are so quick at offering solutions.
Applying labels or rushing to fix,
We seem to have forgotten how to just be with one another.
Holding and leaning into that space that is created when two beings come together.
I ask myself at times,
If I.
.
.
Learn to hold this tender space for myself.
Does it become easier to inhabit the same space of presence and connection with another?
I might.
Perhaps able to allow for the natural unfolding of what arises moment by moment.
And coming in contact with another human can stir all sorts of things in us.
I know for myself I can even go into overwhelm depending on who I'm connecting with.
That is not always the case.
And what I want to bring to your attention in this short reflection is What does empathy mean for you?
I hear so many people calling themselves empaths when they feel overwhelmed in the presence of another.
But is that really what empathy is?
Feeling somebody else's feelings and getting completely submerged by it.
Or is that maybe a sign of poor boundaries?
When we sense into the edges of our body particularly on the on the sensations of contact that surface and are present on our skin.
We know for sure that the response we have to somebody else's sharing or experience Um.
.
.
Is ours.
And not what the other person is actually experiencing.
Experiencing.
It is natural to resonate,
To move in togetherness.
But I encourage you to explore.
This other question,
Do I actually know exactly?
What is going on for them?
Or am I just.
.
.
Assuming based on my own views,
My own values,
My own life experiences,
Beliefs.
Um.
.
.
And.
.
.
What happens when I lean in with curiosity,
With interest and really wonder.
What it's like for them.
Listening.
Not just to respond,
But to actually understand,
Listening not just with our ears,
But with our whole bodies.
There's something very important to mention.
It is very human to confuse empathy.
With merging.
But to know.
The boundary of where we end and another begins to lean into that space with.
Curiosity and wonder what it's like to be you.
Is exactly what empathy asks of us.
What if our deepest yearning is to be seen?
To be known in our full humanity.
And in that to receive that most important message,
That presence,
Affection and ultimately love.
Are not conditional of us.
Showing.
Um.
.
.
Being in a certain way.
We are valuable and worthy of connection,
Just as we are.
As humans we each carry.
Within ourselves a unique lived experience.
An experience shaped by every lift moment of our life.
What we inherited from our ancestors,
Current and past cultural and social environment.
And it is a profound act of love.
Two.
Welcome another's journey and unique experience.
Let's pause here,
Let's take a few breaths.
Perhaps close the eyes for a moment.
Sensing too.
Your body notice your thoughts,
Your emotions anything that needs to be voiced,
That needs to be Express.
And next time.
You come into contact with another Try this,
Pause for a moment and sense into your edges.
Can you inhabit your body,
Your heart,
Your mind.
And.
.
.
Allow for that natural resonance of connection to arise.
Thank you for watching.
Please write in the comments if there's anything you would like to share with the community.
