Definitions
Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another’s position
Understanding is a psychological process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a person, situation, or message whereby one is able to think about it and use concepts to deal adequately with that object. Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object of understanding. Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge that is sufficient to support intelligent behaviour.
❶ Intellectual understanding blocks empathy when we listen
This quote by Marshall Rosenberg contradicts the definition of empathy and understanding as per wiki.
Definitions
Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another’s position
Understanding is a psychological process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a person, situation, or message whereby one is able to think about it and use concepts to deal adequately with that object. Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object of understanding. Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge that is sufficient to support intelligent behaviour.
❶ Intellectual understanding blocks empathy when we listen
This quote by Marshall Rosenberg contradicts the definition of empathy and understanding as per wiki.
When I empathize with someone, I focus on what they’re communicating, verbally and nonverbally. They’re translating their biological experience of what their sensory organs picked up along with the hormonal sensations experienced and more, into words, and I’m translating their words with my mirror neurons, and imagining what it’s like to live their experience. The other person and I are also experiencing brain to brain synchrony as we’re doing this.
If my awareness is on anything else including my logical analysis of their situation, or what I want to make for dinner, the focus isn’t there, the mirror neurons aren’t active, and the brain to brain synchrony is missing.
