In the previous exercise, we learnt how we can use the art of writing to deal with the horrors of past. The healing takes place over a period of time as we repeat that exercise regularly.
In today’s class, we’ll employ a similar technique to:
- Learn about empathy.
- Clear misunderstandings.
- Add sensitivity to your writing.
The primary cause of most of the misunderstandings around us is our failure to understand other people’s point of view. It may sound like an easy task but it is one of the hardest ones in the world. Try asking a manager in an organisation. Or a married person.
Understanding others is a skill which can only be learnt once we are capable of generating empathy for them. And in order to do that, one must see the world using the other person’s lens. This is what a writer or a filmmaker does when they tell you a story using text or visual medium. They let you experience the journey through a character’s eyes. The result? You are often far more empathetic towards the people in those stories than those in real life.
Let’s try to bring that aspect of art into our everyday lives.
Daily Exercise:
Think of a particular incident described by someone to you. It could be their own personal story or someone else’s. Recall that story in your head and write it down on paper. While writing, make sure that you are understanding their perspective and are being fair to them. Now read the whole piece and try to see the world through their eyes. Repeat this exercise with a number of people and events. It will surely add a new dimension to your personality.
Deepak Rana 