On April 23, 2024 Vox published an article by Stanford University professor of psychology, Jamil Zaki, “Compassion Is Making a Comeback In America.” The subtitle was “A decade ago research showed a troubling dip in empathy. A new study provides more hope, as in Sara Konrath’s new research update.”

What is the difference between compassion and empathy? According to the Oxford Language Dictionary, compassion is sympathetic pity and concern for the suffering or misfortunes of others. I prefer the Psychology Today explanation – an empathic understanding of a person’s feelings accompanied by altruism or a desire to act on that person’s behalf.

While we can never feel another’s emotions, we can try to “taste” the feelings or place ourselves in their footsteps. I’m also clear we can’t changed someone else’s feelings or dire situation. However, there are ways to support others. For example: donate money, bring food or other necessities, make a phone call or send a text saying, “I’m thinking of you” or offer a tangible way of assisting, such as running an errand or picking someone up from the airport.

In my many years of counseling, I’ve learned that a majority of “compassionate” people place themselves last on the list. Think about that. Are you that person?

Let’s all focus more on having more empathy/compassion for others and ourselves.

– Harriet