Outside Looking In
Austin, TX | ©️ 2023 Alicia Kae Miller
In a recent podcast, I shared how empathy is akin to swimming alongside someone in their fishbowl rather than viewing them at a safe distance with pity or awkwardly tapping on the glass with sympathy.
As you know by now, I live and breathe empathy, so sometimes I forget that not everyone feels me when I share examples of the differences between better understanding where someone is coming from vs. keeping them at arm's length. Hence, the spelled-out aquarium visual.
Merriam-Webster defines empathy as "the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another." I encapsulate its meaning as being seen, heard, and understood, with the caveat that this does not mean we must agree with one another. Instead, to better understand where the other person is coming from, we take time to listen to learn.
Let's pause here and think about when you were in the expansive presence of empathy, e.g., a social setting where you walked away inspired and filled with optimism. Conversely, consider the narrow confines that come with the absence of empathy, e.g., an environment where you were deflated due to being ignored, marginalized, or silenced.
From my perspective, apathy is a gut punch that ceases further discussion, while empathy sets the baseline for meaningful dialogue.
As you go about your day, please reflect on these two examples and how each one left you feeling. Take it one step further by acknowledging what was good and great and what could have been done better in either of those interactions.
Until we meet again, look beyond yourself to see yourself. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
March 2025
P.S. If you want to discuss your findings, you know where to find my aquatic museum.