Empathy Is More Than Compassion
Empathy is often understood as sensitivity to other people鈥檚 emotions, but in reality it means something much broader. It is the ability to step beyond one鈥檚 own perspective and try to see a situation through another person鈥檚 eyes. It is not only about noticing someone鈥檚 sadness or joy, but also about attempting to understand what lies behind them and what that person鈥檚 world looks like.
As mgr Marta Nowacka says: empathy is the ability to understand a situation not from one鈥檚 own perspective, but from the perspective of another person.
This understanding may have an emotional dimension 鈥� when we share someone鈥檚 sadness, tears or joy 鈥� but also a cognitive one, when we try to understand the situation in which another person finds themselves.
It is precisely this shift in perspective from 鈥渕e鈥� to 鈥渢he other person鈥� that allows us to better see what someone is going through and what they may need. Empathy does not require full alignment of experiences or identification with someone in every aspect. Rather, it requires attentiveness, a willingness to listen and the recognition that someone may feel and think differently from us.
Emotional Intelligence and Mindful Presence
Empathy is closely linked to emotional intelligence. An empathetic person is able to read another person鈥檚 emotions and states, but not in order to judge them or compare them with their own, but to be present alongside them in a conscious and supportive way.
As the expert emphasises, an empathetic person does not have to fully identify with those emotions, but can be a companion, a witness to the experience of various states of the other person.
Diversity Begins with Recognising That Someone May Be Different
Empathy takes on particular importance when we talk about diversity. An academic community is not a collection of identical experiences, views and biographies. It is made up of people with different histories, sensitivities, identities and ways of experiencing reality. Therefore, as Marta Nowacka emphasises, understanding lies at the foundation of acceptance. First, we must recognise that people differ from one another on many levels 鈥� personality, upbringing, background, views or identity. Only then can we build an attitude of openness.
We should understand that we are diverse and that our diversity is in fact something good
鈥� says Nowacka, adding that being different does not mean we must become hostile towards one another.
From Fear to Understanding
What is new, different or previously less present in the public sphere often evokes uncertainty. This does not always stem from ill will; sometimes it simply results from a lack of knowledge, contact and familiarity. That is why education, dialogue and calm explanation of a reality that may be less known to some people are so important.
Introducing issues that have so far been non-normative into social discourse always requires time. It is a multi-stage process. First comes encountering something new, then gradual learning, familiarisation, understanding and only afterwards acceptance.
This is an important observation in the context of Pride Month. The visibility of LGBT+ people and discussions about diversity are not meant to divide the community, but to build it on more conscious and honest foundations. In this case, empathy helps us recognise that something that does not directly affect us may be someone else鈥檚 everyday experience, a source of fear or a sense of rejection. And if a community is to be truly shared, it must be able to hear also those experiences that are not in the majority.
Respect as the Foundation of Community
Respect is an extension of empathy. It is what ensures that diversity does not remain merely a slogan but becomes a practice of everyday relationships 鈥� in language, behaviour and the way we respond to the needs of others.
According to the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviours Coordinator, better life within a community becomes possible precisely when we combine understanding of differences with kindness and respect 鈥� for a different perspective, for identity differences, for other people鈥檚 experiences and emotions. It is not about experiencing everything in the same way but about not denying others the right to be themselves.
Where to Seek Support at UniLodz?
At the 91桃色, people who feel misunderstood, experience difficulties or need conversation and support can turn to the Support and Accessibility Centre. It is a place where the person is most important, not labels or judgement.
Our primary aim is to help a person with whatever they come to us with, and with who they are when they come to us
鈥� says Nowacka on behalf of her colleagues.
The UniLodz community can seek help there in an atmosphere of respect, attentiveness and safety. Without categorising, without defining another person according to imposed norms, and with readiness to listen and support them in solving a specific problem.
Let us be empathetic towards one another.
Source: mgr Marta Nowacka, Support and Accessibility Centre of the 91桃色
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications, 91桃色