If you only knew, what each person carries in his/her heart. When we realize that each person – like us – carries burdens throughout the day, we’d be more understanding, empathic, and compassionate.
Caregivers for people with dementia, practice this daily. There’s no other way to survive caregiving.
As a caregiver for my father who lived with Alzheimer’s, I used to wonder, what if I took the unconditional love and care I gave him and applied it to everyone?
That disheveled elderly man, standing at the crosswalk… He was once young as I was, in love, married, and maybe has children. What twists and turns did his life take? What led him to be here, right now?
I began practicing this with almost everyone and have kept it up for the better part of two decades.
It’s amazing how it changes one’s perspective in the world. I don’t get angry, although, I often experience disappointment. Still, I plod ahead, trying to embrace my fellow humans with understanding and compassion.
It’s not a practice for all. If you find your view of life a little skewed, try this for a change of pace. It helps you exercise empathy. I find most people treat me kindly. I hope they’re reflecting what they see in me.
The Cleveland Clinic created a less-than-five-minute video. Click on the embedded video below or on the text. [Link updated 3/28/2018] Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care – If we could look through each other’s eyes. May you’ll feel as inspired as I feel each time I view this. Watch it several times over the next couple of weeks and share this article to help inspire your friends and family.
