Empathy Rising!

Caring Hands

This post contains affiliate links.

“The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit.” ~ Elon Musk

“…you’ve lost, old man!” Voldemort talking to Dumbledore while possessing Harry’s body. Harry’s response, “You’re the weak one. And you’ll never know love, or friendship. And I feel sorry for you.”

“Stanford University psychologist Jamil Zaki, PhD, describes it, empathy is the ‘psychological ‘superglue’ that connects people and undergirds co-operation and kindness” (The Economist, June 7, 2019).”

The above Musk quote came from a podcast appearance on Joe Rogen’s show. When I read what he said about empathy being weak, I remembered Harry Potter’s response to Voldemort, in the above exchange in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. In that movie we get to see Tom Riddle’s devolution into Voldemort mostly due to a traumatic childhood but also from a misguided belief that there is power in the dark arts. As it turns out, Harry is right to tell Voldemort that he’s the weak one because when the final battle comes and Harry is not dead after all, it’s Voldemort’s followers who desert him. They do it for a number of reasons not the least of which is his lack of engendering true loyalty. He mistreats his followers and in the end they leave him, hopefully to learn their lessons and lead better lives. Those who believe in Harry, because of his sacrifices for them and his love, friendship, and belief in freedom, continue their loyalty to his cause and stand their ground. They do it even when it looks like Harry is gone. 

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Musk, and his repeating of the old mantra. Over the last few days I’ve developed a theory as to why some people think empathy and compassion are weaknesses. It’s because empathy, compassion, and caring for others involves a deep connection to emotions. Humans are emotional creatures. We must face our emotional wounds if we’re going to finally get to the place of being healthy, happy, and productive. Some people, however, don’t know, or care how to do that.

Years ago, when I was teaching, I read the book, Teach With Your Strengths, by Rosanne Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller by Gallup Press. When I finished reading the book, there was a link to go do an evaluation questionnaire to find out my top 5 strengths. Empathy is my number one strength. This is what the book says about empathy.

“You can sense the emotions of those around you. You can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their eyes and share their perspective. You do not necessarily agree with each person’s perspective … but you do understand. … This instinctive ability to understand is powerful. … You help people find the right phrases to express their feelings – to themselves as well as to others You help them give voice to their emotional life.” 

There is much more of course, but you get the idea. How can understanding someone else’s perspective be a weakness? Since humans crave connection, I think that’s a strength. However, being empathetic, I understand that some people don’t want to be understood. That puts them in a vulnerable position, which in their minds means they’re weak.

What happens to people who are unable to connect with their emotions, or who suppress them so deeply that they don’t even acknowledge they have them? I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist but I have spent hours analyzing characters and their emotional lives and I can say that the characters who refuse to face their demons don’t fair well at all. They become emotionally detached from others, they are cruel, and sometimes mentally and emotionally unhinged. I have learned a great deal from analyzing the stories I’ve read, the movies I’ve watched, the characters I’ve played, and the plays I’ve directed. One thing I’ve learned is that none of us gets a free pass. We all experience trauma of one kind or another. Whether or not we find happiness and fulfillment depends on our willingness to face how we feel about what happened to us and to learn from the experiences. 

I may be completely wrong. Maybe people who don’t value, or even have empathy, might have been born without the ability to connect with others emotionally. But it could also be true that they did not have the love they needed as they were growing up. They may not have had examples of connection and caring for others and that’s extremely sad for them. I can’t imagine what it’s like to go through life with no caring support of any kind. 

So, who’s weak and who’s strong? There are so many examples from history and literature that show us that those without empathy do not have a happy life. Right now there are bunches of people who are waking up to the importance of a caring community. For the first time in many people’s lives, their rights are being taken away and they are not going to be quiet about how they feel about that. So even though things look dark right now, empathy is rising. Communities are coming together to support each other. I rejoice in those nuggets of hope being played out on the world stage. 

One great thing about empathy is that it can be developed. Almost everyone has a measure of emotional connection with others. Reading and watching movies and TV and actively analyzing the characters is one way to develop deeper levels of empathy. Another way is to listen to people tell their stories and try to identify with them. Once you can connect with others on a feeling level, you can use your compassion to take action to help those around you in a tangible way. Just asking someone if they are okay, is a huge help. One of my Story-Power podcast guests from 5/25/22, Kate Wallinga, told a story about someone who did a study over a year of potential jumpers on the Golden Gate Bridge. The potential jumpers were asked what made them change their minds. They said, “Someone stopped and asked me, ‘Are you okay?’ I knew I wasn’t alone“. In most cases it doesn’t take much effort to show you care about another person. And there is a persona benefit. I can speak from experience, when you help someone else, it makes you feel good too.

Story-Power on Patreon

I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love.

Prolific Writers Life

I recently joined Prolific Writers Life, a writing community created by Lorraine Haataia, PhD, as an expert on podcasting. Lorraine is a former Story-Power guest and now friend. The community she’s building is a supportive place for authors with a variety of experts to help you write, produce, and promote your books. Lorraine and I hope you’ll take a look and see if you and your book can benefit from all the services PWL provides. You can also sign up for the PWL weekly newsletter for free. We have many free events that you may want to join as a way to see if this is a community can be of benefit to you.

PodMatch for Podcasters

If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. I call them a dating service for podcasters. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat.

Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters

Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you.

Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here, who we want to be, and the kind of world we want to live in.

Come join the discussion on YouTube and our Facebook group.

Breaking Up Obsessive Thinking

This post contains affliliate links.

Constance “Ahuva Batya” Scharff, PhD is an internationally recognized speaker and author on the topics of addiction and trauma recovery, the psychological impacts of climate change, and women’s mental health. She is the founder of and principal investigator for the Institute for Complementary and Indigenous Mental Health Research. Dr. Scharff is a passionate advocate for decolonizing mental healthcare and incorporating indigenous practices and ontologies into healthcare services, as well as radical social transformation to lessen the impacts of climate change. Dr. Scharff is a recent recipient of St. Lawrence University’s Sol Feinstone Humanitarian Award, honoring her service to and advocacy for those suffering from mental illness, trauma, and addiction. She’s also a member of The Explorers Club, an homage to her efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing in communities worldwide. Her most recent research project, a year-long, seven nation exploration of “everyday bravery” is titled, “A Year of Living Bravely,” and will be available as a book in 2026.

Twitter:LinkedIn: TikTok: Instagram: Facebook: Website

Rock to Recovery: Music as a Catalyst for Human Transformation, Dr. Constance Scharff

The Path to God’s Promise, Ahuva Batya Scharff

Ending Addiction for Good, Dr. Constance Scharff

Somatic Therapy

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

The Little Prince, Antoine De Saint-Exupéry, Richard Howard (Translator)

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

Dante’s Inferno, Dante Alighieri, Gustave Doré (Illustrator), Henry Francis Cary (Translator)

Medea, Euripides, Rex Warner (Translator)

Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Luke Skywalker, Star Wars 

Now, Voyager, (1942) Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Gladys Cooper

Meeting God at Midnight, Ahuva Batya Scharff

The Red Tent, TV Mini-series (2014)

The Matrix, (1999), Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving

Margaret Atwood, Author, Maddaddam Trilogy

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Gabor Maté, MD

Story-Power guest, Dave Dahl Ep. 1, (7/22/2020 Ep. 27 (7/21/2021)

Heath Ledger, Actor

Story-Power on Patreon
I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love.

PodMatch for Podcasters
If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. I call them a dating service for podcasters. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat.

Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters

Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you.

Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here, who we want to be, and the kind of world we want to live in.

Come join the discussion on YouTube and our Facebook group.

Stories: The Oldest Teaching Tool

This  post contains affiliate links.

“Humans are not ideally set up to understand logic; they are ideally set up to understand stories.” ~ Roger C Schank, Cognitive Scientist

“Spiritual transformation is our remaining pathway to sustainability as a species embedded on this planet.” ~ Gayatri Laraine

I’m on a mission. My goal is to use stories to help us connect with one another so that what we think of as divisions, melt away and we understand each other better. This article that I wrote for the Prolific Writers Life newsletter, explains why stories are so important.

Long before math and science were conceived of, even before written languages were devised, stories were the way knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. Sometimes the stories were painted on the walls of caves. But surely stories were part of the rituals and quiet evenings around the campfire. In the stories, humans speculated about the stars, passed along plant lore and other vital information for living in a dangerous world. They also helped examine and define how to conduct human relationships.

Somehow many of us have forgotten the importance of stories and now think of them as frivolous entertainment. For the most part people use stories to escape the stresses of real life but don’t have other uses for them. The common feeling is that if we want to save the world, we need to study math, science, and engineering, but what if that point of view is incorrect? Don’t get me wrong, we need those hard disciplines. But for the most part, they can’t help us learn to get along with our fellow human beings and that’s one thing we desperately need right now.

I’m an unabashed story lover thanks to the family movie nights my parents instituted. And during our movie night discussions, I learned some great skills for living with my fellow human beings. Those discussions taught my siblings and me to think critically; to look beneath the surface of the behaviors of the characters. Those discussions helped me understand the consequences of the character’s choices. Eventually, I began to see that I could use what I was learning from stories in my everyday life.

Recently I found this quote by Dale Carnegie, from How To Win Friends and Influence People, that expresses how my parents used movies to teach my siblings and me how to get along with others, “Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness. ‘To know all is to forgive all.’ ” That was the method my parents used when we were discussing the movies we watched and the books we read. And as Dale Carnegie indicated, asking questions about the characters actions helped me become more empathetic and compassionate.

I find it fascinating that we are still attracted to the most ancient myths and written stories because we can continue to learn from them. Myths like, The Odyssey, have been told over and over again. In fact a new version will be coming out in 2026. Poor Helen. She may be blamed for the greed and power grab of men like Agamemnon, Odysseus, Achilles, and Menelaus once again. The extant ancient Greek plays are produced, adapted and performed on a regular basis as are Shakespeare’s plays. Why? Because we are still fascinated by the relationships and challenges the characters faced. 

If you’ve never analyzed a story before, here are some tips. Why is probably the first question you’ll ask, “Why is the character acting the way they are. Why are they making the choices they’re making?” Here’s where you use your imagination. There will be more than one possible reason, childhood trauma, religious or societal attitudes, betrayal, grief, and more. 

The next thing to ask is, “What are the consequences of their choices and actions?” Did they work out well, or not? You might also ask yourself if you can relate to the characters in the story? If not why not?

And finally what are the messages or themes of the story? I used to tell my English and theatre students that everything that’s written down has a purpose and if we’re going to learn anything we will want to examine the different layers of messages that the author is trying to get us to understand.

Fortunately for us, there is an endless supply of stories with all kinds of situations, with characters making both good and bad decisions that we can examine but not have to experience ourselves. Stories offer up many experiences and perspectives about living that we would never be able to understand without them.

Since many of you reading this blog are writers or creatives, you have probably already learned to analyze stories but do you pass your knowledge along to your friends and family? Talking about stories in detail can be a fun activity. It brought my family closer together, maybe it will do the same for yours. 

Prolific Writers Life

I recently joined Prolific Writers Life, a writing community created by Lorraine Haataia, PhD, as an expert on podcasting. Lorraine is a former Story-Power guest and now friend. The community she’s building is a supportive place for authors with a variety of experts to help you write, produce, and promote your books. Lorraine and I hope you’ll take a look and see if you and your book can benefit from all the services PWL provides. You can also sign up for the PWL weekly newsletter for free. We have many free events that you may want to join as a way to see if this is a community can be of benefit to you.

Story-Power on Patreon

I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love.

PodMatch for Podcasters

If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. I call them a dating service for podcasters. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat.

Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters on YouTube and Facebook

More story exploration opportunities await you at Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters on YouTube where we analyze one movie per episode. On the Facebook group we discuss all things movies. Come join the fun on both platforms.

Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters

Advocating Children’s Creativity

Rella B’s transformation from a career-focused adult to a passionate advocate for the magic of childhood has resonated with countless families worldwide. Her belief that work and play should be inseparable companions has shaped her mission to provide young readers with captivating tales that not only entertain but also instill valuable life lessons. Rella B’s stories are a reflection of her dedication to nurturing the spirit of curiosity, courage, and self-belief in children. Through her enchanting narratives, she invites children to venture on adventures where they can conquer fears, celebrate diversity, and embrace the power of their own imaginations. Rella B’s journey reminds us all that there’s no age limit on dreaming, exploring, and discovering the joy in everyday moments.

 Rella B.’s website, Podcast: Reading with Rella B, Rella B Books on YouTube

Rella B Amazon Author Page

Some of her books:

  If Shapes Could Talk

  Mama I Got A Dollar!

  If Shapes Could Eat

  Activity Book

  Shapes Activity Book

Rella B’s Favorites

  junie b. jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, The first of 28 in the series by Barbara Park.

  This Book is a Mistake, Ron Keres

  This Book is Perfect, Ron Keres

PodMatch for Podcasters

This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Rella B, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you.

Story-Power on Patreon 

I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power podcast, Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love.

Prolific Writers Life

I have recently joined Prolific Writers Life, a writing community created by Lorraine Haataia, Phd, as an expert on podcasting. Lorraine is a former Story-Power guest and now friend. The community she’s building is a supportive place for authors with a variety of experts to help you write, produce, and promote your books. Lorraine and I hope you’ll take a look and see if you and your book can benefit from all the services PWL provides. 

Stories That Fill in the Gaps

This episode was recorded in June 2024 and contains affiliate links.

Lindsay Law has produced scores of television plays, dozens of films, in addition to a pair of productions on Broadway. Many of these works have been nominated for Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars. He was the Executive Producer for the PBS drama series, AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE from 1981 to 1995. He was the President of Fox Searchlight Pictures from 1995 to 2000. He lives in Litchfield County, Connecticut. The Orphan From Shepherd’s Keep is his first novel. 

You can read more about him on his website—lindsaylaw.net. If you enjoyed this book and the time you spent with these characters, help spread the word on-line, at your local bookshop, and directly with your friends. The author would enjoy hearing about your experience while reading this book and invites you  to ask any questions you may have about this story and his story.

Website, Instagram

The Orphan From Shepherd’s Keep, Lindsay Law

Lindsay’s newest book:  Without Him launches in December 2025.It traces the lives of two half-brothers— one a preacher and the other a star tennis player.

PBS American Playhouse (1981 – 1995)

“Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters” on YouTube

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Now Searchlight Pictures (Owned by Disney)

American Playwrights, Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow was Enough, Ntozake Shange

PBS Masterpiece Theatre

PBS American Masters

Longtime Companion (1989) Craig Lucas, Screenwriter

Paradise Lost, Clifford Odets

Plays mentioned by William Shakespeare The Taming of the Shrew,Broadway Theatre Archive, (1975), The Taming of the Shrew, (1967) Measure for Measure, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Plays by Lanford Wilson, The Rimers of Eldridge, Fifth of July, The Mound Builders

Movies produced by Lindsay Law, The Full Monty (1997), Boys Don’t Cry, (1999), Waking Ned Divine, (1998) A Midsummer Night’s Dream, (1999)

Dune: Part Two, (2024)

CBS News Sunday Morning (1979 – )

Amazon Publishing

Smashwords e-book sales

LinkedIn social media platform for business

PodMatch for Podcasters
This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Lindsay Law, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you.

Story-Power on Patreon
I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power podcast, Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love.