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Claudia Allred's avatar

A senior hippy, is that redundant? I really like today’s essay. I’m going to print it to keep. Empathy! Something to strive for to make a better life for all those you empathize with. A building block of a good person, (and a dog). You’re really good, I’m so glad you’re back and getting stronger. Thanks for the read.

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Susan's avatar

We go deep.

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Patricia Edraos's avatar

Thank you so much for the term "Signaliens."

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Susan's avatar

I love this! There is no name calling or diagnosis just looking at behaviors. I ask myself questions of who I am and how I want to show up in the world. This is very helpful. For quite sometime now I have been focusing on compassion, for myself first and for the people around me. My rallying cry has been blame is not a therapeutic tool. If I ever write a book....

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thanks. It’s very hard not to fall back on name-calling. But sometimes a little turn of phrase can get the message across even more forcefully. They go low, we go…?

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Donald Lipkis's avatar

Musk’s lack of empathy during his visit to Auschwitz is the definition of sociopathy. Musk and Trump are narcissistic sociopaths, in fact, malignant narcissistic sociopaths. I have told my fellow strong supporters of Israel that Trump’s support is purely transactional and not heartfelt. He is incapable of that, and that support can turn on a dime.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Agreed. And I think that moment of turning is fast approaching

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Kikist's avatar

What a great Moment! As usual...so much to comment on, but I just want to add this little note. I don´t know if you know that Ayn Rand was a Russian Jew.

I am so glad you are healing, sharing your insights on this matter is very valuable. You are lucky to be surrounded by a loving family including your loving doggies! Blessings to all!

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

And to you as well!

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Scott Sekuler's avatar

When I first started reading this piece I thought to myself no person or being is more of an empath than my dog! When I was not feeling well recently he sat next to me on the couch and looked deeply into my eyes and kept putting his paws on me. Then of course you mention the empathy of your dogs! May we all learn and know the empathy of a poodle! And I hope yours continue to give you the empathy and strength that you need to heal!

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

You know, Scott, that with me it always comes back to my pups! But I don't think I've ever appreciated them more, even though I've had to kerp my distance, especially when the catheter was in. :) But needless to say, I appreciate the empathy of people too - and I've felt it this week.

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Bill Woodson's avatar

Wow, Rabbi Joshua! You packed so much wisdom into this post! I’m glad you are successfully navigating this recent health challenge—not only emphatically—I selfishly feel you have much more wisdom to share; with me and with the world.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thanks so much, Bill!

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