Empathy, Rucking, and What I'm Listening To

Corridors of Curiosity 009

Author

Paril Bhakta
October 15th, 2023

I Know People Because I Am People

Hello, friend. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for clicking on the Corridors of Curiosity Newsletter. Let’s rock and roll!

Reflections on Empathy

People that I believe are intelligent and capable tell me they doubt themselves, I don’t understand. How can they not see their greatness? Why are they blinded to their strengths? Why don’t they appreciate their gifts?

Then I remember — Self Doubt is tough to overcome. I understand now. It takes dedication and patience and then some.

I Know People Because I Am People.

When people start something and flame out before finishing it — I wonder why they can’t keep going. Why did they quit? What happened to all the things they wanted to do?

Then I remember — Life happens. Things change. Opportunities come and go. It’s hard to build new habits. It’s hard to put yourself out there consistently. It’s hard to face fear daily and overcome it.

I Know People Because I Am People.

Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings of another being.

Having the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes helps you understand their unique perspective.

Often, we find that we might share the same struggles. We may not be that different after all!

Empathy is built on experience and understanding.

For example, I understand the struggle that many people face with focus and attention due to my struggle with focus. I have experience dealing with the frustrations and agony of trying to climb out of the hole. Therefore, I have empathy for anyone who struggles with focus.

I can introduce frameworks and systems, explain some things that worked well for me, and offer overall encouragement in their pursuit.

Cultivating Empathy is a worthwhile endeavor, especially if you're trying to help others in any way.

Reflection is a powerful tool for the empathy muscle. Reflect on your previous struggles, others’ struggles, or the multitude of hardships this life could offer:

  • Examine your biases and snap judgments. (For example, I used to think people who cut me off did it on purpose. Then, I realized that sometimes people make mistakes when I cut someone off without meaning to.)

  • Open-mindedness keeps you approachable and helps keep your mind in a healthy place of non-judgment.

  • Listen Listen Listen!

  • Ask questions before assuming. Matter of fact — limit assumptions! (Easier said than done.)

Empathy is something I still have a lot to learn about, but I feel as if I have known about empathy my whole life. After all, empathy is a vital piece of kindergarten.

“Treat others how you want to be treated.”

“Make others feel how you want to feel.”

Rucking

David Goggins introduced me to the concept of rucking — as I listened to his audiobook, he described packing upwards of 100+ lbs and hiking multiple miles in rugged terrain.

I was very curious.

The training method is utilized in the military to train the endurance and fitness of the soldiers.

Ruck Marches are essential to the training methodology of most of the militaries of the world.

At its core, rucking is simply carrying a weighted backpack while walking.

Normal citizens can utilize rucking to help decrease fat, increase muscle, and find an excuse to walk in nature.

Start with a 10-20lb backpack while walking 1-2 miles. After a while, you can bump up the weight to 30lbs and increase your mileage.

It is so simple and yet so challenging.

Low-impact movement is tremendous. Walking is easier on your joints than running and adding some weight allows for lower body gains. That does not mean that running is bad or that walking without a load is pointless.

I have recently upgraded my rucksack from 20 lbs to 30 lbs, and boy — I am feeling every bit of that extra weight.

Simply put — rucking is a nice addition for those looking to build a resilient body, mind, and spirit.

What I’m Listening To

Some of my Favorite Podcast episodes:

Some of my favorite Music lately:

Some of my favorite audiobooks:

  • Both of David Goggins books (Never Finished and Can’t Hurt Me)

  • Be Water, My Friend — Shannon Lee

  • The Way of The Superior Man — David Deida (free YouTube link: https://youtu.be/xFPF0EQqIvI?si=3H04RCQzhQUBUdf-)

  • Stolen Focus — Johann Hari

  • The Road to Character — David Brooks

  • Think Again — Adam Grant

  • Endure — Cameron Hanes

See you next Sunday!

Paril