What does empathy have to do with politics?

It’s more than just seeing from another’s view…

Sure, this question seems obvious - empathy helps us understand another person’s point of view, which is crucial to the health of a functioning democracy. Our country is founded on the bedrock of multiple versions of truth coming together, and by doing so us getting ever-so-slightly closer to the Truth. 

But there is also another relationship between empathy and politics that often gets overlooked, and it has to do with our own mastery and awareness of our selves. 

Politics requires more than just a cognitive gesture of empathy. Research shows that empathy falls into two categories, each one activating different parts of our brains [1]. The first is a cognitive understanding of another person; we can intellectually understand another’s differences, lived experiences, and perspectives. We have a category or box we can put them in. This is often where the conversation on empathy and politics falls.

And then there’s another type of empathy, which is an embodied, felt sense understanding of another person. It’s an ability to feel another person in a way that allows you to “walk a mile in their shoes.” Through this empathy we tune into a person’s experience, and go below the words or story their telling to the emotional vibration that’s at its core. This is where we can truly begin to relate to and understand each other; where we can cultivate a sense of shared humanity that is the glue to our democracy. 

The latter of the two types of empathy is sorely missing in US politics. As our country continues to be more and more divided and we have greater and greater causes to fight for, our ability to hear what’s being communicated below the surface is dwindling. To become aware of our blindspots that are keeping us from empathically hearing one another is a humbling and uncomfortable practice because it requires us to be vulnerable with each other and honest with ourselves. This is why cultivating empathy is key to politics.

And the good thing is that this type of empathy is something we can practice! And is something that others seek to practice too. So if you’re like me and desire space to be in relationship with others about US politics, this current election cycle and the many pandemics we’re facing as a country where we can practice empathically listening to each other, join me this Sunday, November 8th for a Post-Election Circle. 

Join me November 8th 4-5:30pm ET for a Post-Election Circle. Learn more about the We Heal for All Circle model here.

[1] Kamila Jankowiak-Siuda, Krystyna Rymarczyk, Anna Grabowska (2011) How we empathize with others: A neurobiological perspective. Med Sci Monit. 17(1): RA18–RA24.

Hi, I’m Liz Moyer Benferhat. Writer, facilitator, coach, and development practitioner dedicated to the subtle interplay between how inner transformation feeds the outer transformation we need in the world. Welcome 🌿