​Empathy

What is empathy?

Empathy refers to your ability to understand and share the feelings of another. When you are empathetic, you put yourself in another person’s shoes, make an effort to see the world from their perspective, and feel the emotions that they feel.

Why is it important to build this skill?

When you can understand where other people are coming from, it becomes easier to treat people with compassion and kindness. You build stronger and more satisfying relationships that are based on mutual respect and understanding. When you focus only on your own emotions and happiness, you are left with little meaning. But when you work to enhance the experiences of others around you, you experience a more fulfilling flavor of happiness.

​Activities to develop this skill:

Gratitude List

Expressing gratitude, both for experiences and towards people, helps you appreciate and value them more. As result, you can more easily put yourself in their shoes.

Gratitude Note

Gratitude is the process by which we feel or express thanks for someone or something in our lives. In this activity, you learn one way to practice gratitude for others.

Learn about other Skills >>

Berkeley Well Being Institute