Empathy


31

 Empathy

Imagine a man out walking in a beautiful forest with wildflowers and a large variety of birds. While walking he is holding in his hand a spoon containing olive oil. As he walks, he does so steadily ensuring that the oil stays within the spoon. Once he has completed his walk, he has not spilt a single drop of the oil.

Having walked around the many paths of the forest he has also seen very little or nothing of nature around him, all of his concentration was on the oil.

The same man may well have found peace in his walk. But has he found harmony? The people who spend all of their time concentrating on themselves and what they are doing can lose sight of others and the beauty around them.

Such an attitude can so easily mean that when we see a fellow artist, we see an enemy, rather than a companion in the field of art. From here it is a very short stride to underestimating the value of such a person. One who could be an inspiration can end up being a fellow artist you distrust.

If we have no empathy for others, then rather than see fellow artists we see enemies. When we have empathy, we see others, often using the same tools and equipment who could stand with you and push you to higher levels of attainment. In turn, you could raise the work of the other to greater heights.

Empathy for others will, in turn, help you care even more for yourself. Respect for the work and art of others will help you to respect your own labours and achievement.

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