One of the most challenging experiences of our journey in discovering empathy is to avoid the temptation to judge others. It’s a habit that most of us do unconsciously and are seldom aware of the fact that we do it at all. Bringing it to our awareness is the first step. You see, many times when we are engaged in judgment, we are actually evaluating ourselves. We gauge our own responses to those of others in an effort to assuage our fears, doubts, and anxieties.

Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are. -Anonymous

If we are truly seeking to display empathy, we must strive to understand the other person’s feelings; to recognize our emotions, place them on pause, and work to grasp how another may be feeling. Once we’re able to accomplish that goal, we will be positioned to communicate an understanding of the other person’s point-of-view. It’s not always easy and may feel awkward at times, but fostering the ability to offer an empathic exchange with another creates a strong bond and an opportunity for relationship building.

Empathy is exhausting because you have to feel in both directions. -Unknown

Today we commemorate the life of a man who modeled empathy and compassion. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought tirelessly for individual rights, the end of segregation, and was a forerunner in promoting the ideals surrounding diversity and inclusion that are foundational to our work.

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Take a moment today to honor Dr. King by building your own character. Practice empathy through your abilities to be non-judgmental.