Cultivating Impartiality

“Identification is the primary portal of empathy”~Frans de Waal

I know this could possibly be a controversial topic for the current state of the world and injustices, so please let me preface this by stating this is a call for mindfulness of interdependence. This is a call for love and compassion for ALL. This is not meant to be heard as though I am unaware of the mistreatment and prejudices in the world. What I want to focus on is this belief that we are somehow separate from each other. There is a belief that we do not depend on one another. You may have heard it in statements such as “every man for himself” or “survival of the fittest”. These beliefs are born out of fear and hurt. This extreme individualism is creating an immense amount of suffering.

Through research, science has actually shown that it is “survival together”, rather than “survival of the fittest”. Research has shown that those mammals who live in a community with support and empathy do not just survive, they thrive. We have been able to witness some of the beauty that comes from joining together on a movement. What the above study shows is that there actually is strength in numbers. The voice and energy of the collective is powerful, even beyond our comprehension a times. For all of the media that is showing all of the negative aspects of the protests, I have been overcome with hope when I see unity through empathy.

When we cultivate impartiality, we are able to see that every human being has the same basic needs and desires. We are able to recognize the common humanity. When we are able to identify with another person, there is an instant connection and sense of belonging, which is a human need. To do this, we must look for the commonalities and the interdependence. Something that was taught to me a very long time ago in some of my earliest psychology classes is that you focus on the behavior, not the person. The behavior is a way to communicate a need. This is what we are to teach our children. When one of my kids does something I am not in agreement with, I let them know “I do not like the way you are acting right now…tell me what you need”. I believe we are at a turning point in this world right now since we have been able to witness kindness, connection and empathy in the streets-even between protesters and police officers. I must confess that I am a person who searches for kindness, humanity, and love in all human beings and situations. It is what I intentionally choose to focus on. This does not mean I turn a blind eye to all happening. It only means I intentionally surround myself with empathy and hope with the belief that my energy creates a positive ripple. This post is part of my ripple. What kind of ripple are you choosing to offer today?

Sending so much love today and always, LJ