As we continue to confront and combat social injustice in America, I would like to remind you that regardless of how you feel about fighting, just know that the good fight is the one that is fought in harmony for justice. Also, I would like to share two of the most important skills needed to combat social injustice.
Skill #1: Empathy
Empathy is an indispensable life skill that requires a certain level of intellectual and emotional aptitude in order to recognize and understand the thoughts, emotions and perspectives that others might experience.
Simply stated, Empathy is not just about “walking in others’ shoes”. Empathy is the ability to connect with others in a manner in which they feel understood and emotionally safe.
Lack of empathy is one thing that makes individuals miserable in life, love and interpersonal relationships most aspects of life. If you cannot empathize with others, then you are unlikely to care about and connect with them.
Some people are good at objectifying other people, treating them like ‘things’ and even attacking them without any feeling of remorse. If you desire to develop work with others in harmony, you must learn to be empathetic.
Empathy will enable you to connect with those who think and behave differently than you.
Skill #2: Resilience
Resilience is defined differently for many individuals because it takes on many forms and has various components, but most researchers agree that resilience is associated with an individual’s ability to bounce back after facing adversity or hardship. To add to this basic understanding, I personally define resilience as the ability to bounce back wiser, better, and stronger after facing adversity. Resilient individuals recover quicker and cope with adversity and psychological stress in an effective manner.
Being resilient will enable you to move forward and prosper in a health manner after experiencing adversity. Please remember that resilient people find solutions in problems. In contrast, troubled couples find problems in every solution.
During my counseling and coaching sessions with clients, I help them become more empathetic and build resilience, which involves broadening their emotional intelligence.
Unfortunately, we are facing some difficult times, but coping with adversity in an empathetic and resilient manner is doable and has been proven to work. By broadening your emotional intelligence, you will be able to successfully navigate through life and combat social injustice with a sense of pride and optimism.
I look forward to working with you in harmony for justice.
Best regards,
Dr. Dwayne Buckingham