BY DR SEEMA GAMBHIR 

 

IN A bustling city where life’s pace often leaves people feeling disconnected, there exists a remarkable tale of compassion and empathy. Recently, I watched an ad film of a tea brand where an elderly lady offers tea to a stranger in a hospital waiting room, his thoughts consumed by worries about the condition of his family member. Amidst the sterile and emotionally charged environment of the hospital, an elderly woman approaches the man, her concern evident in her gentle inquiries about his family members’ well-being. However, the man, weighed down by worry and reluctance, hesitates to engage in conversation. Then she offers the man a cup of tea. At first glance, it may seem like a typical tea brand advertisement, but the story transcends mere commercialism. As the man accepts the tea and takes a sip, the woman reveals that she lives in a nearby locality and frequents the hospital waiting room, carrying with her a flask of home-made tea. Her purpose? To provide solace and comfort to those enduring the agonising wait for their loved ones in the hospital. This revelation transforms the seemingly ordinary advertisement into a poignant tale of empathy and human connection. The comfort and warmth of the moral support offered to someone in a vulnerable situation are priceless. A simple act of kindness becomes a metaphor for something much greater.

 

A gesture that embodies empathy and compassion to bridge the emotional distance and to soothe the troubled spirit. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, there are individuals who selflessly offer their presence and empathy to ease the burdens of others, as simply as letting them speak and becoming a genuine listener for them. Being listened to and truly heard is a fundamental human need. It is a beacon of hope, capable of offering solace to those in distress. Genuine listening is not confined to moments of distress; it is also instrumental in building lasting relationships, fostering trust, deepening connections, and cultivating mutual respect. People are more inclined to share their thoughts and feelings when they know they are heard and valued. But there are always some people in our surroundings who are self-absorbed, who only talk about themselves, who lack an understanding of how their constant focus on their interests, showcasing their knowledge, and boasting about their accomplishments can make others feel.

 

Imagine someone who has recently been in an accident; their foremost concern is recovering their health, and they may not have the mental bandwidth or emotional capacity to engage deeply with global issues like climate change or geopolitical conflicts. Their primary focus is on their survival and well-being. They tend to be more focused on their problems and immediate concerns than on global or broader issues. People don’t necessarily need material and tangible assistance always; instead, what they crave most is someone who will actively and genuinely listen to them and make an effort to truly understand their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. A conversation with a shared feeling of connection and a sense of kinship and belonging can be more advantageous than offering concrete assistance. Being sensitive to the concerns of others is a significant reflection of your character and empathy towards those around you. Do we all have that willingness to empathise and the capacity to truly hear and be a genuine listener?