Bearing Witness: The Difference Between Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion

I begin this episode by reflecting on some common reasons why we might have a difficult time taking an honest, clear look at our own pain and determining what our current needs are - both of which are necessary if we're going to ask for support from our family or community when the going gets tough (which it eventually does for all of us).

I then share how cultivating this skill of vulnerability informs our ability to effectively help others who are suffering without becoming incapacitated by empathy without boundaries. This leads into a conversation about the difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion and what it means to hold space for someone.

Finally, I propose the argument that if our compassion leads to fatigue, burnout, or resentment, that it is egoic compassion, not true compassion. True compassion honors our boundaries and present capacity, and it's freely given without a sense of obligation or an expectation of gratitude, accolade, or return of favor. True compassion recognizes our interconnectedness and shared humanity, and comes from a place of abundance and sincere generosity of spirit.

We end the episode with a lovely compassion practice called “Just Like Me.”

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Tending to Change is hosted by Jeni Juarez, a 500-hr RYT, a mother of four, and a dedicated student on the path of the heart. Having struggled with trauma, addiction, and debilitating anxiety, she has deep gratitude for the power of nature, stillness practices, and loving community to completely change the trajectory of one’s life. 

 

Jeni believes there is a significant undervaluation of emotional resilience and cultivating peace of mind in our fast-paced, over-achieving culture, and she’s excited to be a part of the momentum that is actively working to change that narrative.

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Please know that…

 

The intent of this podcast is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. Content presented or posted on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a professional therapeutic relationship. In the event you use any of the information in these episodes for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the creator assumes no responsibility for your actions.