Empathy can be described as the ability to understand another by being able to imagine and feel as they do. They do say that if you could walk a mile in someone else's shoes then you would know how they feel. Well, if you walked a mile in mine at the moment you would really know how I feel as they have started to rub on the heel.

Being able to comprehend just why others feel and act in the ways that they do can increase human understanding across the board. More understanding could lead to world peace. Or could it?

Just because we can understand another person doesn't necessarily mean that we agree with them or that we totally become them and no-longer follow our own path. Empathy can provide us of a glimpse of another's reality and expand our personal wisdom.

As a counselor I have often had occasions when empathy has helped me to help another person with a problem. I appreciate the gift of empathy and am glad that it adds to my knowledge base about people who are different from me.

At times it seeks to overwhelm me as I become lost in the world of the other person and begin to feel their pain and their worries both physically and mentally.

It is at such times that I remember that I want my old shoes back, even if they rub occasionally. I am comfortable in them and know to hold my foot at a slight angle to stop them from hurting after the initial rub. They have worn comfortably into the shape of my feet and I know where I am headed in them. No-body else's would do.

Learn more about this author, Heidi Marie Fleetfoot.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Satire: Empathy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!