Reciprocal Mirroring
But what is fascinating is that empathy can be taught by a process of reciprocal mirroring.
And it can be taught on the internet.
For instance, two or more log onto
Chatzy - Create your own private chat rooms and so we start off at a very basic level, just to start to get the feel of empathising through reciprocal mirroring.
After all, it is a skill we are learning, so it is a bit like learning to ride a bicycle - we don't need to think about it - we need to learn what it feels like.
So the first person makes an "I" statement, for instance, "I am happy to be here". And then the second person mirrors the statement and substitutes "you" for "I" and so says, "You are happy to be here".
And so the first person continues to make "I" statements and the second continues to mirror with "you" replies. And they do this for five minutes.
Then, most important, they swap - they reciprocate. And so the second is making "I" statements and the first is now mirroring "you" replies. And they do this for five minutes.
And then naturally they swap again - swapping is very important because not only are we learning mirroring but we are learning reciprocity and equality.
And guess what! They do this five times - they practice mirroring five times, turn and turn about - it takes fifty minutes.
Most baulk at the beginning because it seems too simple for their sophisticated tastes. But once you have learnt to basics of mirroring turn and turn about, you can elaborate reciprocal mirroring at will.
You can not only reciprocally mirror simple statement but you can mirror tone of voice, or body language, even attitudes. And at the higher end of reciprocal mirroring you can mirror humour.
So reciprocal mirroring can be practised on the internet.
And reciprocal mirroring is a unique and essential part of our humanity.
Victor.