Activities to increase empathy (part 1)

Cultivating Empathy Through Action

Empathy, like any other skill, is strengthened through deliberate practice.

It is not enough to wish to be more empathetic; we must take concrete actions that train us in the art of understanding and connecting with others.

Here we present a first set of activities designed for this purpose.

Share your passions and interests

When we talk about something we are passionate about, our energy changes.

We become more open and authentic.

Sharing our passions with others allows them to see us in a more vulnerable and real way, which fosters connection.

Equally important is showing genuine interest in the passions of others.

Listening to someone talk about what they love, even if the subject is unfamiliar, is a powerful act of validation and empathy.

Deliberately shifting your perspective

A key mental exercise for empathy is perspective taking.

For the next seven days, in any situation of conflict or disagreement that you observe (whether in your life, in the lives of your friends, or even on the news), make a conscious effort to imagine the situation from the point of view of each person involved.

How would they feel? What needs or fears might be driving their behavior? This practice loosens our minds and takes us out of our own self-centered point of view.

Creating a Safe and Friendly Environment

Our nonverbal attitude creates an energetic field around us.

Consciously practice projecting an attitude of safety and friendliness wherever you go.

Whether you're in a coffee shop or walking down the street, maintain a relaxed facial expression and open posture.

It's not about smiling at everyone; rather, it's about cultivating an internal disposition of benevolence.

You'll be surprised how this can invite positive interactions and make others feel more comfortable in your presence.

Asking "How can I help?" or "What do you need now?"

These two questions are incredibly powerful and empathetic.

Approach five different people over the next few days and genuinely ask them one of these questions.

By doing so, you shift the focus from yourself to the other person's needs.

You open a door for the other person to feel cared for and supported, and it gives you the opportunity to perform an act of service, strengthening the connection.

Record Your Impact on Others

Keep a small journal for a week and note down the impact you think your words and actions have on the people you interact with.

Did you make someone smile? Did you notice someone get defensive after a comment you made? This self-observation exercise increases your awareness of how you affect your environment and gives you valuable information to adjust your behavior and be more constructive in your relationships.