This has been on my mind a lot lately. I have been guilty of claiming to have compassion and empathy when in fact I didn't. I think it's natural to have compassion for another and their situation. I can feel sorry for them and want to help them. I can interact with them based on their needs. I can do everything possible to ease their troubles. And I can do all of this because I truly love everyone. However, I've recently become aware of what true empathy is and it's very difficult. To step inside someone else and experience their feelings and emotions. To truly know the circumstances they have been through. To become one with them. This is much more than compassion and can be a very frightening, emotional and exhausting experience.
I have much growth to accomplish in this area and I guess I needed to write it out for my own benefit.
Thanks for listening.

Gassho,

Tom