WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW BEFORE YOU READ
If you watched the video, did you ask yourself if you generally have sympathy or empathy for others? Vulnerability is a place many of us despise. Actually...most of us do not embrace vulnerability. After all, why would we? When we feel vulnerable, we feel as if something will happen...someone will hurt us.
Even when we make a decision to become a part of someone else's vulnerable state, we are terrified. Feelings are to be embraced, not rejected. Why would we want to stand firm and reject empathy and vulnerability? Perhaps it requires too much of an effort. Or...maybe we just hate the way it feels. After all, when other people have problems, that is there issue...right? Wrong!!! When we decide to take a stance to separate ourselves from the depth of others, we are making the ultimate decision to dehumanize others in a way.
Empathy and vulnerability require maturity and strength. It is easier to say we don't care about others. It is easier to turn away when someone is hurting. After all, that is their problem. Right?? Wrong again! The greatest gift we can give ourselves and others is to truly meet people where they are, not where we are. Relationships require vulnerability and empathy. Without the two, we are just going through the motions.
Love others on a level that challenges you internally. Actually open yourself to seeing inside that other person, seeking to truly accept their perspective...their pain. When you humble yourself to do this, the reward you will have is greater than I can describe. It cannot be explained. You must experience it.