Dr. Ben Hardy says, “Trauma is not what happens to us, it’s what happens inside us in the absence of an empathetic witness.”
When I heard this, it occurred to me we’re all dealing with some kind of trauma in the past year of the pandemic. It’s been compounded for many of us as we’ve dealt with so many changes while distancing ourselves from one another.
For me, I’m wondering how I can extend empathy to those I encounter as we emerge and adjust from our online worlds.
When each of us feels seen, heard and understood, whatever has a grasp on us loosens. It creates space for distilling the story from the facts, the feelings from the thoughts and leaves us more able to respond effectively.
Take a look around, who can you empathize with today?