Empathy, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, is “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.”

How do we develop more of this skill?  What are some ways that we can use to be more empathetic?  Here are some ways that can be used to becoming more empathetic.

1. Set aside any assumptions and biases. When we aim to be empathetic, we let go of prejudices and judgments.  We allow the others  to be themselves without being criticized.  We accept the others regardless of gender, race, religion, economic status and education.
2. Think of yourself and the others as minds.  When we act like we are just minds there would be no self-consciousness.  We would all just be ideas being exchanged.
3. Listen to understand.  When we pay attention to what is being said, and not trying to figure out what to say next, we can understand others better.  We allow the others to express their thoughts.  When we try to prove a point however, we become defensive.  The goal is to understand and not to see who is right or wrong, or who has more arguments to prove a point.
4. Ask open ended questions.  Instead of asking questions that are closed ended, ask questions that will allow others to explain more. Closed ended will generate either a yes or no answer.  Examples of open ended questions are, “How do you feel?”  “Tell me more about that?”  “How did that make you feel when that happened?”  In this way, you give people room to explore their thoughts and feelings.
5. Be service oriented.  Approach the situation thinking, “How can I be of help?”  Helping others give us opportunities to allow for more empathy.  In the process of helping, more interactions can take place.  Altruistic intentions can bring down walls and allow others to open up.
6. Learn more about psychology and the way people think, feel and act.  By expanding our knowledge about others, we can develop more understanding.  The more we know, the more we can see where people are coming from.  We can learn from books, podcasts, journals, conferences, and so on.
7. Travel and experience other cultures and traditions.  Traveling gives us the opportunity to be immersed in a different environment.  It gives us a first hand experience about how people live.  Aside from the geography, we also learn about the history of the place and its people.  This gives us a more intimate knowledge of people coming from different cultures, traditions and religious backgrounds.

Empathy is key to better communication.  It promotes understanding and acceptance.  When we are empathetic, we get along with other people better.  We reduce the tendency to judge and feel superior.  Empathy is the glue that cements relationships between people.  It forms deeper bonds and connections.  It promotes peace and harmonious relationship with others.