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Power of Empathy in the New Normal



During this period of uncertainty, it has certainly brings out the varied beings of individuals. I believe that everyone of us (including me) undergo an emotional roller coaster ride. For me, there are days that I feel that I am in a washing machine with all of its actions. Joy, sad, happy, anger, confused, love, envy, embarrassment, sympathy, and awe are some of the emotions that I feel.


I want to draw your attention to the word 'emotion.' Emotions are brief, multicomponent responses to challenges, or opportunities that are important to your goals, in particular your work and social goals. In addition, I would like to make several distinctions on emotions. They are not physical sensations. It is not to be confused with moods which are longer lasting. Many practitioners are unclear of what are moods.


There are several bodily reactions that occur when we feel the varied emotions. In general, we will activate:-

- 'fight or flight' mechanisms

- experience heart rate and breathing changes

- inflammation of a body part (as for me, my eyes become red just like sore eyes).


One of the key skill is to be aware of these changes that occur and the response that will come after it. For example, if one is filled with anger, it might lead to throwing of tantrums and to some extent 'destruction.' It is important to know that in between the stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space, is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.


Empathy - How does knowledge of our emotions be helpful in creating empathy?


Let's focus on the word empathy. It is the ability to sense other people's feelings and understand their views. Take a pause from reading this article. Imagine that you are the leader of the organisation and you decide to conduct an online meeting at 8am. You might be a morning person and you work well in the morning. However, during the meeting, you see your workers dozing off or not paying attention to your meeting. What are some action(s) you might take?


There are various course of action that you might take. It is not wrong or right but somehow I feel that most of us (during this pandemic) will attune to follow our negative emotions at that time. What do you think will happen next? I will leave it your 'imagination.'


During this pandemic, it is vital that all of us practise positive emotions. While there are some researchers who reported too much positivity is an overkill, I believe that there is a need for us ta reach a balance in our life.


Why is empathy important in the new normal?


The pandemic had plunged many individuals, businesses, and relationships into turmoil to a large extent. In some countries, the disparity of economies coupled with racial tensions and the spread of the virus created hardship, pain, anger, frustration and confusion. The need of empathy is far greater now than ever before. Previously, I had shared on how Physical Education can certainly help in promoting empathy among children. Here are some suggestions that you can undertake to create empathy in your environment.


Create an empathetic listening time


Whether you are your own boss or working with others or with your family, set aside some time for you and others to voice your and their emotions for the day. My suggestion would be to be real. It requires giving up self-centred view of the world but instead focusing and paying attention while connecting with another person's emotions. Research had shown that this will create a trusting, open, caring, loving and strong (plus sustainable) relationship in all.


Take notice of their emotions and yours


I know this might be difficult at this time. A contact via face-to-face can be challenging. Here comes the good news. There are various platforms that can be used to engage yourself with others. Ask them, 'How do you feel today?' or 'During our meeting, I notice you are quieter than usual, what's up?' For mothers and fathers, create lightness in the house, Play and do some unusual role play over the weekends. Talk about what are they feeling today and what is going with their lives. Recognise their voice. On average, about 55-65% of the time, people can pick up emotions in the human voice. Use the emojis to convey feelings and emotions.


Support causes to help the unfortunate


Personally, this action will raise my heart rate. I get excited and 'feel good' endorphins oozes out from me when I can make a different in some other people's life. You can teach your kids on the impact of giving to others. I had a friend who shared a touching IG on her daughter saying that she felt good when she gave food to others. I am sure kids growing in an empathetic environment will grow up to become one.


The new normal is upon us. While the virus might still linger, I believe, we can control our emotions to create a better for one and all. This will definitely help us to slowly diminish the feelings of superiority, narcissism, entitlement and a sense of grandiosity.

















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