Reference no: EM132750255

Question: Empathy is about recognizing and understanding another person's perspective and emotional state." Affective empathy" refers to the sensations and feelings we get in response to others' emotions; this can include mirroring what that person is feeling, or just feeling stressed when we detect another's fear or anxiety. "Scientific Empathy" indicates that it has deep roots in our brains and bodies. It has been observed in our primate relatives, dogs and even mice. It is associated with pathways in the brain; Neurons that fire when we observe someone perform an action, much the same as we preformed it ourselves (vicariously). Research suggests that people can enhance or restrict their natural empathic abilities. Having empathy doesn't mean we want to help someone in need, though it's a vital first step towards compassionate action.

"Empathy is having the full presence to what's alive in the other person at this moment"

John Cunningham

You are to come up with a real-life situation (which may have occurred this week or recently where you were given some news from a friend of family member). The news can elicit sympathy, yet your exercise is to provide empathy. Debrief what happened ( summary). Consider the following:

1. Outline how you sought to understand their feelings, thoughts and perceptions?

2. How did your response connect with them?

3. What did you realize or learn about yourself because of this conversation?