Sylvia Matiko and Kristin Llamas ask “What is Empathy?” on the Socratic Dialogues Podcast
EPISODE SUMMARY
This week on the Socratic Dialogues, Kristin sits down with Sylvia Matiko to discuss ‘What is Empathy’? Stay tuned in and listen to how the world is facing an empathy deficit. Learn what this means for society, and how we as individuals can develop ways to listen and find understanding to show more empathy to others. Don’t miss out on this compelling discussion.
SHOW NOTES
What is Empathy? Is the question Kristin asks and discuss with Sylvia Matiko, born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Sylvia is the cofounder of both A Different View, which work with Museums all around the globe creating an inspired and thoughtful visitor experience, and Timbalaya, a children’s book series and theme park being planted around the world to encourage outdoor play to grow the imaginations of children. Her area of expertise allows her to experience and practice empathy on a daily and she gives us valid information on how we can show empathy to others. Everyone would say that empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, but as Sylvia states “it’s a little bit more than that.”
Studies have shown that empathy has declined at least 50% in the last decade, leaving us in an empathy deficit and we have all seen the effects with the more hate, prejudice, and fighting opinions we see on the news and around the world. Sylvia and Kristin go on to discuss how technology and social media might contribute to the decline of empathy shown in others. Now that we are aware of the issues and its effects, are we able to solve it and work back from this massive decline? As Sylvia states, everyone can be taught empathy.
Sylvia breaks down empathy into 3 categories: Cognitive Empathy, Emotional Empathy, and Compassionate Empathy. Cognitive empathy allow people such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, who deal with emotional situations with their patients or clients on daily, understand where they are coming from without being too emotionally overwhelmed. They are able disconnect their feelings from the situation. Emotional empathy however, allows you to understand someone but it doesn’t mean you are completely connected with them. This means that if you have emotional empathy, you might not take compassionate action. Compassionate empathy on the other hand, mean that you are truly willing to help them properly to produce a strong connection. “Empathy fuels connections; where sympathy does not.” Sylvia says that Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits has a lot of valuable examples in how to practice empathy by truly listening to understand one another. Although you may not be able to help everyone, you are able to listen to and empathize with everyone you encounter. Finding that balance with empathy is also important so that you do not overwhelm yourself.
One of the best quotes from the show would have to be from Miss Dolly Parton, “if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” Even small actions such as a smile or holding the door for someone can show others that you care and empathize with their needs. Let’s all do what we can, big or small to show a little bit more of empathy.
SHOW LINKS:
Visit Host Kristin Llamas at:
Websites: www.kllamas.com | www.llamasart.com
Instagram: @kllamasart @llamasartshow
Facebook: @kllamasart @llamasartshow
YouTube: Kllamas
FIND MY NEW BOOK ON BOOKSHELVES!: ¿Como te Llamas? Everyday Llamas You Might Know
Visit Guest Sylvia Matiko at:
Websites: http://www.adifferentviewonline.com and http://timbalaya.com
Other Links:
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