PEACE: Empathy vs. Disrespect

BY KIMBERLY BAILEY-TUREAUD

Human interaction teeters between empathy and disrespect. Many will say, “We want peace” — but is that peace hidden behind the face of ignorance? It’s what happens when you’re going into the unknown and allow what is said to override what is written. 

In our own day-to-day lives, the reaction to disrespect is a personal choice. Responses can threaten daily peace, so always ask: “How does my reaction help me?” 

There is always a universal ear listening to your call of discomfort. When you practice the rule of listening to someone else’s needs in conversation, it can unmask what is seen as disrespect. Open listening through the heart, body and mind will take offense off the table. Understanding will be the reward. 

There is usually a cry to understand hurt, violation, or fear. If empathy is enforced when we are encountering situations of disrespect, we can respond with an honest, “Is everything okay?” before a retaliatory negative stance. 

We are all in this world together, and we are a collective whether we believe it or not. When I can swim, you can swim — because I GOT YOU. HE made it that way. 

If you are unable to ride the wave of disrespect that is a mainstay of this life journey, it will give rise to destruction. The goal is to resolve any conflict, because conflict resolution is a skill that can leap over the tallest hurdles. 

Be protective of your peace within, and master the art of empathy that rules all life beings. You are your brother’s and sister’s keeper.