Empathy

I am reminded of the wonderful Cherokee quote: "Grant that I may never find fault with my neighbor until I have walked the trail of life in his moccasins." As adults we all like to think we are empathetic, we can place ourselves in the shoes of others. I have learned from life's experiences that the best empathy develops when you have experienced walking in similar shoes. However, it is not always possible to have experienced the same challenges a friend might have, and at best we need to be able to be empathetic without judgement! 


This is where children have it over us- they are often able to see aspects of the world through the eyes of other children, and the lenses they use are often  more open and  less affected by judgement. They accept on face value what they see. We can learn great lessons from how they deal with the world. 


I see wonderful examples of empathy here at Kio Kio School, sometimes at the most unlikely times. Students who quite intuitively and without judgement are fully inclusive of all students in play activities. Students who fundraised for a 'fun event' and gave away their fundraising for moral purpose, to help someone who was in need. Students who seem to have eyes everywhere and spot those in need of a friendly smile or a helping hand. 


Empathy requires respect, and empathy builds citizenship.  This is about Whakatangata, playing the game of life.