Learning the language of empathy …
As a writer, I’m constantly thinking about words and whether or not they will help someone understand a story.
In its most ideal sense, a story is about giving someone the details and context they need to understand a situation and hopefully gain insight into a life different from their own.
In short, stories create empathy.
Right now all us are in the middle of a story that is giving us ample opportunities to demonstrate empathy. We’re not sure how this story will end — or if it will ever end — but in the meantime, we should think about how our words and actions show empathy, and instill it in others. It’s not easy …
With this idea in mind, here are some recent posts about empathy.
It May Be Time to Retire These One-Size-Fits-All Expressions
The phrase “surviving and thriving” has always annoyed me a little bit.
It seems to take something complicated — getting through a difficult time — and assumes the experience glides all too easily into a giddy state of sing-song happiness. “Surviving and thriving” tries to tie everything up with a bow and call it good.
Learn about out better ways to talk about survival in “It May Be Time to Retire These One-Size-Fits-All Expressions.”
Alexa, Remind Me to Stay Connected
Have you found yourself relying on Artificial Intelligence during the pandemic?
I have.
In fact, I’ve been in a weird emotional tug-of-war with my Alexa, due to her perky reminders about productivity while I was laid off and looking for work.
Deep down, I knew not to take it personally. After all, Alexa, like Tom Hank’s makeshift soccer ball buddy Wilson in “Cast Away” — she was just an innocent bystander shipwrecked with me on my tiny island of isolation and joblessness inside my apartment. She wasn’t responsible for my self management or my happiness — that was up to me. She was a brisk voice sweeping through my hours, tidying things up, inadvertently reminding me that a New Normal was happening and whether I was ready or not, it was time to join the party.
Read more in “Alexa, Remind Me to Stay Connected.”
Practicing empathy by listening and learning
I’m a long-time classical music fan and arts supporter. I also firmly believe that people find their truth through creative expression.
As part of holding myself more accountable to being a better white advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, I recently donated to and started checking out Zoom panels and performances organized by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA). CAAPA is dedicated to supporting Black classical musicians, youth, and others in the performing arts by “Bringing Color to the Classics!”
They recently hosted a terrific discussion featuring young Black artists and arts administrators sharing important insights about the coronavirus, police brutality, and racial inequality, and how it’s shaping their work. It was great. Watch it here.
As always, wishing you your hearts’ truest happiness,
