“Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.”
I’m sure you’ve heard this saying. Unfortunately, it’s become so cliché, it’s lost a lot of its depth.
So let’s dig back down.
Empathy is being able to see the world through different perspectives. This allows you to get a clearer picture of reality. And getting a clearer picture of reality gets you closer to wisdom.
Therefore, empathy is a key component of wisdom and who doesn’t want to be wise?
Ok, but how do we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes?
Do we ask other’s if we can wear their shoes? That might be kind of weird, but I think we may be onto something.
Seeing reality through another’s perspective takes time and reflection. It takes the ability to slow down and really picture yourself in another person’s situation. Of course, it won’t be perfect, cuz well, you’re you and they’re them, but it is worth a try.
So what if we, when we got really upset at someone and just couldn’t understand where they were coming from, asked to wear their shoes?
And not in a metaphorical sense. But actually took off our shoes and tried on someone else’s as a physical representation of slowing down and trying to see another perspective?
It’s kind of silly and they likely won’t be the same size as you and some people just can’t “do” feet if you feel me, but I think there would be a lot fewer heated arguments and miscommunications in the world.
Who’s with me? :)