Being present — the foundation of empathy

“I’m here for you.”

Showing up is the foundation of empathy. It’s being present so we can understand what another person is feeling.

This doesn’t mean becoming the other person — absorbing their feelings or making their challenges our own. We don’t need to duplicate their pain, we need to understand their perspective.

And to do that, we have to show up.

Sometimes this means being physically near the person, but often it’s a matter of demonstrating that we notice the person and their situation and we care. This could be a quick text message, a delivery of flowers, a post card, or a listening ear when they’re ready to share.

“You’re not alone.”

“How are you really doing?”

“I’m ready to listen whenever you’re ready to talk.”

“You’re in my thoughts and I wanted you to know.”

Never underestimate the power of being present in someone else’s pain. The only thing worse than suffering is suffering alone.