In my line of work I talk to a lot of people and the conversation always turns at least a little bit personal, sometimes very personal. It’s not the line of work where one would expect that to happen regularly, but it does. Maybe that’s because I am an empath. People tend to naturally open up to empaths.

Sometimes I encounter a person who is also an empath, but doesn’t seem to know it. More likely they’ve never heard the term “empath”, especially when we are talking about an older person as the term seems to be more frequented among mid-younger generations.

This morning I met an older gentleman who most certainly is an empath. We had such a lovely conversation. He spoke of many personal events in his life and I felt honored that he was comfortable enough to share them with me on our very first meeting. We were immediate kindred spirits. Sometimes my heart aches from filling up with so much love and gratitude when I unexpectedly encounter a kindred spirit.

My heart also aches for the grief he has known in his life. I wish I could heal it and make it all better, soak up the tears that welled up in his eyes and seal his open wounds with a magic wand. But, I cannot.

Sometimes, just spending a little extra time sitting with someone and listening can be the soothing balm that is needed, not only for the grieving but also for the listener. It is a reminder that sharing a moment of compassion with one another is just as healing and reviving as soul comfort food followed by a hot toddy.

Special Note: Hug your dog today.