What you need to know about: Really helping someone in pain or distress

I'd be amazed if you have lived through the past ten years without hearing the name Oprah. I heard she was actually to be named Orpah, but one birth certificate later - now we have Oprah. 

Oprah is responsible for giving so many a platform to introduce noteworthy information into the world. Most recently, Oprah spotlit Brené Brown - sociologist, humanitarian, researcher, and author. Now I wouldn't be shocked to hear you've heard the name, and I wouldn't be shocked either to hear you haven't. 

^ Brené and Oprah

Brené has been a major influence on me personally and professionally, especially her work on vulnerability and showing up fully myself. This time, Brené hits me hard with a dose of reality about helping others who are in distress.

In this short and silly animated video, Brené draws light to a concept impacting every interaction you have - amongst friends, coworkers, family, and even the stranger you bump into at the grocery store. What is empathy? And how is is different from sympathy?

So hit play, then sit back and laugh. We are all just trying to figure this out. 

What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering? In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities.