I first came across the area of empathy—ironically enough—while working in retail. Part of the company’s training in guest service included empathy training. The company wanted its workers to not just understand where shoppers were coming from as they searched for the perfect gift… but to know that position as if each worker shared the experience for shopping with the customer. Being able to stand in the customer’s shoes, you might say.
How does this fit into being a Jedi Knight? To serve others or to work toward and for the common good, you must first really know who are you are assisting. Being empathic toward others is a skill that all Jedi must learn. So how do you learn to be empathic? Let’s imagine a conversation where you’re trying to explain the Jedi Code (for example) to friends. The Code can be difficult enough to discuss among fellow adepts—doing so to a non-Force-sensitive or skeptic can get really tough. The first step is to step outside yourself—outside your own frame of perspective. Through meditation, visualization and practice, a Jedi can learn this first step. Now—you’re no longer looking at the world based on our own knowledge, your own expectations. Consider what your friends think of you—how they see you—how they understand your words. What constraints (road-blocks) will they have while listening to you? What had they been doing prior to that conversation? Are they receptive to philosophical discussions?
As far as things to consider, the list could go on and on for a given situation. The point is to understand that person. These are considerations a Jedi must make when he/she speaks and acts. It, naturally, changes depending on the individual situation too.
Finally—the biggest step in showing empathy as a Jedi is understanding the effect you have on others. I do not mean by the effect you have by saying you’re a Jedi Knight. Rather, the effect you and your actions have on others. A Jedi must be extremely conscious of what he says—how will it sit with a person if it is bad news or criticism? The truth must be told but showing empathy to the person must be an action you take. “Being considerate of others emotions and feelings” would be empathy in a phrase if it were possible to make it that simple.
Now, for an interesting closing to solidify this point, how am I, Spark Vallen, Jedi Knight, showing my skills with empathy in this lecture? Take a moment to jot down some notes under “Empathy Follow-Up” in the Light Jedi Audience Chamber.