Empathy

empathy [em-puh-thee] (noun) the understanding of or the ability to identify with another person's feelings or experiences

When we put ourselves in another person’s shoes, we are often more sensitive to what that person is experiencing and are less likely to judge them.  This lesson is a two part one, first I show the students a video by Brene Brown who reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to get in touch with our own insecurities.  Brown believes this is truly the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering, or to show empathy.

When the video is complete I have the students write a letter to their insecurity.  This letter is for their eyes only and will not be shared aloud.  When they are finished they put the letter in a sealed envelop and take turns throwing it in the trash can.  We discuss how, for many of us, it was difficult to name our insecurity and then to write to it.  We talk about how that insecurity can hold us back from helping someone else.  

Second lesson: Walk a mile in your shoes (for the lower school lesson on this please visit my Counseling Lesson-Lower School page).