Dear Beloveds,
Empathy is a word that gets tossed around quite a lot, but we don't usually pause and think about what that means. I like to think of empathy less as something we do externally, but rather a genuine way of being. True empathy isn't forced or studied, and it isn't about how we are perceived by others. It arises naturally when we stop defending ourselves and our positions and begin to allow authentic connection with others.
Our empathetic conscious presence can be the greatest gift: simply listening, being open and truly showing up. Empathy becomes who we authentically are. And, as is so often the case, when we bring our empathy to the table with others, we are also deeply transformed.
I hope you'll be with us this Sunday as we explore "What It Means to Be Empathetic," and ask the question, "How does my way of living change when empathy becomes a spiritual expression?"
Much love,
Rev. Lezli
Question for Reflection: What within us needs to be healed, released, or surrendered so that we can truly listen to another person without the need to defend ourselves, be right, or change their perspective?
