Never judge.

Judgment hurts.

To both the giver and the receiver.

I don’t believe I can fully understand racism; sexism, homophobia, or any other form of oppression unless I’ve experienced it.

However, I do believe I’m responsible for constantly developing my understanding of oppression and recognize my part in perpetuating it.

Empathy is a powerful place to start.

Judgment is not empathy.

1. Finding someone to put down, judge, or criticize becomes a way to get out of the web or call attention away from my box.
2. If you’re doing worse than I am at something, I think, my chances of surviving are better.

Is empathy?

1. To be able to see the world as others see it.
2. To be non-judgmental.
3. To understand another person’s feelings.
4. To communicate your understanding of that person’s feelings.

Yes, empathy is all the above.

For example.

When I’m listening to a tough experience from a friend. I’m presented with an opportunity for empathy. I can choose empathy or ignore it.

1. “Wow, that sounds pretty tough, but I can’t really relate to that,” then I’ve missed an opportunity for empathy.
2. “It sounds like you are in a hard place, tell me more about it,” or “You’re right, I don’t know what that’s like. What is it like? Help me understand.”