EMPATHY & COMPASSION| LIFE COACH SERIES

Cultivating empathy in your daily interactions starts with active presence. Begin by giving your full attention to the person you’re with—put away distractions like phones or other tasks. Ask yourself: Am I truly listening, or just waiting for my turn to speak? Focus on understanding the other person’s perspective without immediately jumping to solutions or judgments.

Next, practise reflective listening. This means paraphrasing what the other person has said to ensure you’ve understood their point of view. For example, “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed by this situation, is that right?” Reflective listening shows that you’re engaged and trying to connect with their feelings, not just their words.

It’s also helpful to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Try to imagine what they’re experiencing emotionally and mentally. Ask yourself: How would I feel if I were in their situation? This exercise helps you move beyond your own perspective and see the world through their eyes, fostering deeper empathy. Another strategy is to ask open-ended questions that invite the other person to share more about their experience. Questions like “Can you tell me more about how this is affecting you?” or “What’s been the hardest part for you?” encourage them to open up and allow you to gain a fuller understanding of their emotions.

Finally, practise patience and avoid rushing the conversation. Empathy requires time and space to truly connect with someone else’s experience. Give the person the time they need to express themselves fully, and resist the urge to interrupt or offer quick fixes.

So, how will you start cultivating empathy in your daily interactions today? Remember, empathy is about making a genuine effort to understand and connect with others on a deeper level.