How Can Empathy Shape Your Values?

One of the most underrated concepts that most peopleoverlook is approaching life from an empathetic standpoint.

Despite our best intentions, it is not always that we live bythis ethical code that is deeply embedded in all of us.

Much of my writings are geared to logical approaches to aan overwhelming world and this is definitely no exception. I don't want to underestimate the importance of thisconcept because I feel it is so extremely powerful.

It is quite intriguing to me that this world is made up of somany beautiful, yet so many diluted and unscrupulous,minds. Obviously, people are not born with certainpersonality deficiencies, as much of it is learned behaviors.

To intimately understand and comprehend another'sfeelings, thoughts, and motives is much of what empathyresonates.

However, this is easier said than done. An awesome way totruly understand your own set of values, is to genuinelyapproach life indiscrimanently with this viewpoint.

So how can empathy really help design a system of higherand lower values so easily?

It is just like the Golden Rule says, treat everyone like youwould want to be treated.

Would you want to be belittled constantly? No. Wouldyou want to be disregarded by others? No. Does beingdisrespected hurt? Yes.

Temporarily plant your mind into another's and attempt tounderstand their plights.

Although you may say, Brian, why should I always respectpeople when most of them have no respect for othersanyway?

If our entire world treated each other in this manner, mosteveryone would have contempt for everyone else.

By taking a stroll in someone else's shoes when dealingwith all people; you automatically detach from the verylearned narcissism we all are accustomed to and approachyour relationships more positively and kinder.

In my humble opinion, it is by far the most selfless way toapproach ones life, so to deny its significance woulddefinitely be wrong!

By understanding how you would like to be treated andconvert this mindset over to how others should be treated,then a solid foundation for how your own values can bebuilt upon.

This, in turn, assists in shaping what is truly important towhat is merely nonsensical. Having an empathetic mindsetadds clarity and purity as opposed to being caught up in aselfish tunnel of me and more me.

Certainly, we are all going to have our transgressions, butthis approach will limit them and yield more piece of mind,that your intentions towards others are not to be harmful,but harmless.

Without a doubt, you will always encounter people whosimply do not care about your feelings, only their own. Don't let these people derail your good intentions.

Try to always stay in this mindset. It will surely be criticalto your mental health. I know this may sound like somesermon, but think of the alternative mindset and thenegativity attached to it.

Of course it's difficult to respect anyone who blatantlydisrespects you, but this doesn't mean you should approachlife so negatively.

By sending a message to others that you respect them as ahuman being and not some tangible object standing beforethem, you naturally disarm their defenses, and beginspeaking to the most real part of them.

Wanting to have a good heart and treating people withdignity is something we should all strive for on a consistentbasis.

If this uptempo world is to progress, we all need to do ourpart by approaching it empathetically and continue to formour values in accordance to this mindset.

--by Brian Maloney-ValuePrep.com
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