Last updated on August 26th, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Author: Manish Bhatia
Certified Mindfulness Trainer
3 words that are Synonyms – Compassion, Empathy & Mindfulness
Now, how many of you have heard these 3 words? Probably many but how many actually understand what these are – To be honest very few
And there’s more to it – Those few who understand even fewer out of them actually apply in their daily lives.
That’s the Irony!
Empathy
Empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing what they are going through on a deeper level rather than on ground. It goes without saying that empathy is NON-JUDGMENTAL.
Let’s take an example here – Your colleague just came out of the Boss’s cabin after being heavily reprimanded.
A natural response is(which many people give{it’s their own perspective}) – Hey this happens, at least you should be happy he didn’t fire you.
BUT thinking empathetically , your response can be something like this – Hey, I am so sorry that you have to go through this but am happy that you told me, I am there for you.
That’s all what is required – CONNECT with the person & do not try to fix the issue.
To achieve empathy in your personal & professional lives – try to listen intently rather than preparing your own version of what to say next.
Compassion
The next one is Compassion – Now after you have just been empathetic to someone, there’s a strong urge to help, genuine help so that the suffering or the pain ends for that person.
For example, you are traveling on a public transport and are seated. A man boards and is carrying a bag and an infant in his arms. He doesn’t get a seat and you first become empathetic( imagine yourself in the same situation) & then a strong urge/desire to help – You get up from your seat & offer the man a seat, so that his ordeal is over. This is nothing but Compassion.
Now comes Mindfulness. What do you think? Mindfulness comes first & then empathy or compassion or both!
Let me put it differently – Some people are compassionate & empathetic by virtue of their nature, environment, and upbringing, but some are not, absolutely not even close.
But hey, we aren’t judging anyone here and both types of people need to build upon their empathy & compassion coefficient & that’s where Mindfulness steps in.
It would be wrong to say “Both types of people” – the right target group is “Everyone/ Each one of us” needs to build upon or strengthen our compassion coeff.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps you control your thoughts, channelise your energies, brings enormous clarity, helps in fast decision making – STRENGTHEN FOCUS !! that often leads to you becoming more caring towards not only yourself but with others too.
*Meaning of Synonym: Definition of synonym
one of two or more words or expressions of the same language that have the same or nearly the same meaning in some or all senses
Synonym Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
So, effectively, all 3 words empathy, compassion & mindfulness are synonyms to each other as they all teach you to be non-judgmental towards yourself & others.
They also tell you to listen better in order to understand & help someone.
There are other articles on “ How to practice Mindfulness” in here & you just have to reach out to read.