Empathy for Others Creates Benefits for Us (PAIP Assignment for 4/8 and 4/9)

No matter how confined we might feel, sheltering in place in our homes, there is no denying that spring is in the air.

Flowers bloom; squirrels scamper; trees bud; and birds sing. Colors are right outside our windows.

We can embody some of that color and sunshine with a little empathy, sympathy and compassion.

Sympathy is the act of acknowledging we are aware of another's distress.

Empathy takes it a step further, allowing us to not only offer compassion for another person's pain, but to put ourselves in another person's shoes and walk around in that.

Carl Safina takes us a step further. Safina shows us how to position ourselves to expand our empathy, to walk further into the depths of our ability to feel.

Homework instructions (due 4/10/20 by 8P):

1) Watch the Safina video.
2) Apply what you've learned about empathy and compose a response in your partner's voice.
3) Think about the story of the incident that led you to participate in this group.
4) Recall conflict from your partner's perspective.
5) Include what your partner said and did during the conflict.
6) Answer the essay questions on this Google Form.

This essay is about your partner's perspective during the incident.

It is important to note that your answers to the essay questions are about empathy, not accuracy. Remember that empathy is the process of placing yourself in the shoes of another person. Focus on your partner's behavior during the incident, and imagine what thoughts and feelings might produce their behavior.

If you find yourself writing about you, then begin again. It is important that you write the answers in your partner's voice.

-Chris AC, MA, CDVP and SolEK MS, CFLE, CDVP

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