How to develop empathy in a person?

Avec : Richard Davidson

empathy mindfulness other

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{"items":[{"question":"How do you increase your empathy and compassion?","answer":""}]}

From the research that we and other scientists have conducted, it is possible to increase a person's empathy and compassion.

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From the research that we
and other scientists have conducted,

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there is absolutely
no question in my mind

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that it is possible to increase
a person's empathy and compassion.

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One can learn to express these
qualities to a greater extent.

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Exactly how to do it and exactly
how much we can change,

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those are still questions
that don't have firm answers

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and likely it's going to be
different for different people.

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But the fact that
we can increase empathy

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and increase compassion
by training a person,

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that I think is very very solidly
based in scientific evidence today.

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There are a number of things that
I think can be done to increase it.

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There are strategies
that we have investigated

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scientifically that involve
for example recognizing

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the innate basic goodness
in another,

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recognizing that we all are born

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with the same wish to be happy
and to be free of suffering.

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And then if you can hold a person,
visualize them in your mind

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and generate thoughts and feelings

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associated with their well-being,

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wishing them
to be free of suffering,

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wishing them to have
the causes and conditions

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for genuine happiness
and well-being.

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Going through that process
is like exercising a muscle

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and so that when you are next
actually with that person in real life,

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people report that they
respond differently

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and the research bears that out.