It's not all bad news out there for all the multiple
species here on earth. For instance, there is decreasing violence in the world,
so says Steven Pinker in the book, The
Better Angels of Our Nature. One of the main reasons he cites is empathy.
Empathy functions to help humans see each other's inherent worth and dignity,
and then to enact society practices, expectations, and laws that curb our
biological propensities. Just because we can, doesn't mean we do.
Is it possible that we can grow empathy for other
species? Yes! Steven Pinker cites
multiple examples of how violence towards other animals has decreased in the
last 100-200 years, including laws and policies reducing animal cruelty, dog and
rooster fighting, animal experimentation, and whale hunting along with the rise
of vegetarianism. We still have much further go in regards to the loss of
biodiversity, extinction, the wildlife trade, and the suffering of animals held
in CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). Earth and her beings call
out to us to increase our empathy for others, which we can do intentionally and
encourage others to do so as well.
A study a few
years suggests how we might go about this.* In the study, one group of students
were asked to imagine what a bird was feeling for 15 minutes. The control group
was given no directions. Those who pretended they were the bird showed
increased levels of empathy and a stronger perceived obligation to help nature.
 |
| What is this bird feeling? |
Putting yourself into the shoes, fins, wings, hoofs,
paws, claws, or talons of another is a powerful exercise which doesn't take a
lot of time. You can also do it anywhere as life is all around us. Such a
practice is good for others, but also for ourselves as it is also a mindfulness
practice. By being open to the other, we still our inner chatter and come to
the present moment. Thus we improve our own health and relationships while also
growing our sense of the inherent worth and dignity of others. In turn this grows
our individual and collective compassionate action in the world.
Coming next: journal and videos to guide you
through multispecies empathy exercises and experiences.
*Berenguer, J. 2007. The effect of empathy in
proenvironmental attitudes and behaviors. Environment
and Behavior 39,269-283.
