Reading Benefit 01: Empathy

Reading for pleasure has numerous benefits for all age groups that can positively impact our social, professional, and private lives. The headliners tend to revolve around memory, critical thinking, and empathy.

Following a chance-encounter the other day, I have opted to discuss 'empathy' as the first of the many benefits I want to share with you.

Firstly, let's offer a brief definition of 'empathy'.

Empathy is the ability to share and understand the feelings of others.

Straightforward enough. It is about considering the emotional wellbeing of someone else, even though their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs my differ immensely from your own. Empathy needs open-mindedness and/or compassion for it be. For us to consider someone else's perspective, we must have an open mind. Being open-minded does not mean that we are neglecting our values or beliefs, but rather intentionally creating meaningful encounters and experiences that offer personal growth and better relationships. It allows room for tolerance, co-existence, and understanding.

My chance-encounter, then. A story of my own.

The other day I was walking to an optician's appointment when a young woman matched my step and said "hello". My first thought was that she had mistaken me for someone else due to the friendly and warm nature of her greeting, however as she kept up with my pace I realised she genuinely wished to talk to me as a stranger.

"I am talking to people about Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Is it ok to ask you about your faith?"

Now, reader, I have no problem talking to people about their faith and/or religion, especially when it is packaged respectfully. I knew this young lady was trying to recruit for her church, but I also could see that she genuinely wanted to just talk and to understand my views. I also enjoy listening to people speak about their passions and their faith, as I can see how important it is to them and also respect the moment of vulnerability presented in my company. Also, some human connection in an artificial world was welcome company.

As we walked through the busy high-street we briefly discussed our very different views on being of faith and whether we have souls that move into another realm after death. I enjoyed it. Although not of faith myself, I appreciated her warm responses to my replies and how she related it back to her own interpretation of the bible. She even laughed when I said "I'm sure that we are all just walking compost." I like to make people laugh.

When I reached my destination, she thanked me for listening and I thanked her for the conversation.

"God bless," she said.

"Look after yourself," I said.

I went into my appointment light and inspired. I felt as I would after reading a book. Although no closer to finding God, I felt closer to my own views on the gift of life itself and closer to my fellow humans.

When I read, I try to read things that teach me something new, or something that presents a concept I thought I already knew from a whole different perspective. I believe it makes me a better friend, a better leader, a better teacher, and a better person.

Author, Laurie Buchanan once said "when we listen, we hear someone into existence." This is the act of allowing someone's right to tell their story and to exist as another example of human experience. We must open ourselves up to the wonderfully exciting variety of life and human experiences if we are to truly understand our own.

For many, empathy has been unfairly labelled as a sign of weakness. In reality, empathy is a strength that opens doors and heals wounds.

By building empathy, we create a more inclusive and safe society for everyone. We are not always going to see eye-to-eye, but that is ok.

Through reading you expose yourself to conflicting ideas and hidden perspectives. Waiting for you in the story is someone's truth that would otherwise have gone unheard.

Reading is more than just escapism and imagination games, it is an ode to the beautifully dramatic spectrum of life itself.

A couple of book recommendations for empathy:

• The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

• The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak