Empathy

Wow, it's May and time for a new theme over at Path Of Positivity!  This month we are pondering 'empathy'; now, this is a tough concept.  Empathy versus sympathy......hmm.....  Let's start off at Dictionary.com, shall we?  

Empathy noun

1.

the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of thefeelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

2.

the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work ofart, feelings or attitudes present in oneself:

By means of empathy, a great painting becomes a mirror of the self.

Sympathy  noun, plural sympathies.

1.

harmony of or agreement in feeling, as between persons or on thepart of one person with respect to another.

2.

the harmony of feeling naturally existing between persons of liketastes or opinion or of congenial dispositions.

3.

the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, especially insorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion, or commiseration.

4.

sympathies. 

1. feelings or impulses of compassion.
2. feelings of favor, support, or loyalty:
   It's hard to tell where your sympathies lie.

5.

favorable or approving accord; favor or approval:

He viewed the plan with sympathy and publicly backed it.

6.

agreement, consonance, or accord.

7.

Psychology. a relationship between persons in which the condition of one induces a parallel or reciprocal condition in another. 

Ok, is this clear now?  ........uh, as clear as a stormy day?  Clear as a mud bog?  Clear as .......ok, still not totally clear to me either!  I guess the difference for me is 'sympathy' is feeling the emotion, 'empathy' is feeling the experience.  Sort of like being out in the storm feeling the wet, cold wind versus sitting inside warm and dry with a hot cup of coffee watching the storm.  Therefore, I guess my quote is how I understand it:  empathy ~ the art of feeling rain in someone else's storm.  

I'm not saying Webster would agree, but it's how I perceive it!  


This adorable digi from Sparkle N Sprinkle was the perfect addition to my quote in my art journal.  Definitely a sweet friend to walk through the storm and feel the cold, wet rain.  

*   *   *   

My journal page is part of my Wildwood Crush Book.  I include memories, quotes, pictures, just whatever I want to keep for myself and view on occasion!  It's also where I experiment using different techniques and play.  There is no theme in this book, it's just a place to store my thoughts and studies....like pondering empathy vs sympathy!  ; )

So, what are your thoughts on empathy?  How do you define this word?  We'd love to see what you have to share on the subject.  Our prizes this month are sponsored by Sparkle N Sprinkle.  So, be sure to link up for a chance to win!  

Material List:

April Showers Digi from Sparkle N Sprinkle

Copic Markers

Wildwood Crush Book (retired)

CTMH Paper/Cardstock:  Fundamental, Watercolor Paper, Black

CTMH Inks:  Crystal Blue, Dutch

CTMH Stamps:  Curlicue Frames, Whooo's Your Valentine (retired)

CTMH Cartridges:  Artbooking, Artistry, Artiste

Studio G Glitter Glue

Thanks for joining me as I rambled on about my thoughts!  It's always great to have you visit; please feel free to look around my posts/pages and leave me a comment/question if you're in the mood.  Have a great day!