empathetic Empath

Looking through an old file for intriguing photos, I found this one today. I painted these a couple of years ago, they're acrylic on 4x4" canvas panels. I only realized that they lined up so well together after doing them and laying them down to photograph. Today they seem to be saying something about empathy. Real empathy (as contrasted with sympathy) is about intimately knowing what another has gone through. You've both walked a mile in the same pair of shoes. Whale and Wolf know about empathy. One goes for a hike while the other a swim. But which did which? A part of Wolf went on the hike with Whale while a part of Whale went swimming with Wolf. Their feet/tail are the sum of their experiences, their miles logged on land and sea, respectively. Their bodies the expanse of their emotions. Their heads the center of thought. When the feet/tail return to their bodies would they have stories to tell? Sure, head and body had an adventure, but what about the feet/tail? Their same old traveling routines would have changed during the swap. They'd have something cool to say. How could they not? They probably wished they could have video taped it, the probability for internet fame would be high. Those paws must be itching to share what will surely become new emotions for the body, and new ideas for the head once the feet/tail are back home. They'll each always see the other in a more appreciative, respectful way for the rest of their lives. Maybe they'll tell others and more and more of them will view others with understanding and compassion. Now those are some empathic Empaths!

#empathy #beinganempath #empathic #symbolism