Feeling Pity - Not Empathy

In her latest book, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of the Human Experience, five-time #1 New York Times best-selling author Brene Brown writes:

 

“Compassion is a daily practice and empathy is a skill set that is one of the most powerful tools of compassion… it’s not just feeling, it’s doing.”

 

“Pity involves four elements: a belief that the suffering person is inferior; a passive, self-focused reaction that does not include providing help; a desire to  maintain emotional distance; and avoidance of sharing in the other person’s suffering.”

 

I invite you to consider these questions:

 

• When do you want to offer empathy but find yourself offering pity instead? ‘
• When are you only willing to care about someone from a distance?
• When do you notice feeling superior to others who are suffering?

 

If you would like to chat with a mental health professional, here’s a link to an on-line resource for help:

 

Better Help

 

I highly recommend Brown’s book… you can order a copy here:

 

Atlas of the Heart

 

To watch Brown’s TEDx talk:

 

"The Power Of Vulnerability"

 

I invite you to SUBSCRIBE to my weekly Wednesday newsletter… it’s more of a mini-course intended to intoxicate your self-awareness, satisfaction, and success. 

www.terribradway.com/newsletter

 

I invite you to click on the link below to book your complimentary happy hour call:

www.terribradway.com/work-with-terri

 

When it comes to podcasting, the best way to “tip the bartender” is by heading over to Apple Podcasts and leaving a 5-star review. This helps me imbibe other listeners with the secret sauce of emotional intelligence. And, make sure to “order another round”  by hitting SUBSCRIBE. 

 

If you’re thirsty for more than this daily shot and ready to intoxicate the hell out of your personal and professional life, I’d love to invite you to coach one-on-one with me.