What is spiritual empathy? How can it help you in your life? It is an important form of
heartfelt perception that many people might not consider.
In The Genius of Empathy, I describe spiritual empathy as empathizing with others
through one’s spirituality. Consider this style “divining empathy,” which describes the
process of connecting to spirituality (however you define it) to open your heart. For
some, spirituality could be God, Goddess, nature, a creative intelligence, or the power
of love. The divine is a stepping stone to your large, compassionate self. You become a
vessel for Spirit as you give and receive empathy. In some spiritual traditions, ego =
edging God out, which you are less prone to do. This style reflects the sublime
perspective of the Prayer of Saint Francis that says,
Make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where
there is despair, hope. . . . For it is in giving that we receive.
If you have spiritual empathy, you may be drawn to the clergy or charitable nonprofit
work. Satisfying careers include being a spiritual psychotherapist, a life coach, an
acupuncturist, or a yoga instructor. Or you may be a writer, editor, or publisher who
values getting “spiritual” books out to the world. Also, you can bring this empathy style
into the corporate culture and leadership models to create a more cooperative,
empathic workplace.
Here are the advantages and potential disadvantages of having Spiritual Empathy.
Advantages
You value empathy as a spiritual gift and sacred way of life.
You are gratified by giving and being of service.
You practice forgiveness and tolerance.
You use prayer and meditation as ways to receive intuitive guidance for yourself,
others, and for the highest good of all.
Disadvantages
You may become a martyr and take on other people’s suffering.
You can be burdened by the world’s weightiness, depression, and pain.
Your identity is mainly linked to giving to others rather than receiving.
You may view self-care as an indulgence, not as a necessity to replenish
yourself.
To ground yourself in this style of empathy, many Asian spiritual traditions such as
Taoism and Buddhism recognize the importance of taking the Middle Path. This means
being of heaven and of the earth. It is a way of life that avoids extremes and
encourages you to tend to your whole self: mind, body, and spirit.
Finding Balance: Follow the Middle Path
Every day, remember to give to yourself. Helping others is admirable, but also honor
your physical and emotional needs, your quiet time, and your energy level. As Pierre
Teilhard de Chardin said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Thus,
nourishing your human part is vital. Make time for at least one grounding activity daily,
such as exercise, gardening, putting your bare feet on the ground (earthing), dancing,
listening to music, eating healthy food, yoga . . . whatever makes you happy and
strengthens your body.
Excerpt from Dr. Judith Orloff’s The Genius of Empathy (foreword by the Dalai Lama)