Main Menu

The Bond of Empathy

The Bond of Empathy

The Bond of Empathy

Empathy is a vulnerable choice because to understand you, I have to contact something inside of me that knows such sentiments … If I share something very painful with you, I’d like you to say: “I don’t even know what to say, but I’m happy you spoke to me about it.” Because the truth is that an answer rarely improves things … what improves things is the bond.

 

Wednesday, January 20: students from five schools in as many cities are following the Factor J lesson dedicated to haematology. The students are fascinated by Brené Brown’s video explaining the differences between empathy and pity. They were profoundly touched by Laura’s story, her openness, her illness. The on-line session was organized by the Palermo section of the Italian Association Against Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma (AIL) with a psychologist, a volunteer and a young patient, as well as a coach from the Fondazione Mondo Digitale.

On the chat, students write their thoughts freely. We seem to be accessing the “sacred space” described by Brené Brown: Empathy is a sort of “sacred space” that is created when someone is feeling very low and yells out, saying “I’m blocked, it’s dark and I don’t know what to do” and our reply is “Hey, I know how you’re feeling. You’re not alone!”

 

Laura’s story is touching. It raises questions. Some students have experienced illness and suffering, others have not. Yet, no one feels like a “spectator.” Many of them would like to donate blook, but they can’t as minors. Isn’t permission from their parents sufficient? No, you must be aged over 18 to donate blood. It must be a responsible and conscious decision. The initial momentum turns into motivation. Time allows them to mature and strengthen their decision, because it’s built on empathy. Factor J continues building bonds.

 

 

Factor J, promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale with Janssen Italia, is the first Italian school curriculum for educating students to develop emotional intelligence, respect and empathy towards individuals suffering from unease of disease. This is an important social operation to stimulate a change in mentality and culture in the new generations.

 

Other news that might interest you

Get updated on our latest activities, news and events