Empathy Is...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

Empathy Is...  The lessons we are provided can either reach us or leave us.  It would be fair to say that one's availability will determine such, and this is where my writing takes me...  It is always empowering to write about something that I feel so well, a part of me, my practice and how I see it unfold right before my eyes.  Like many, I was formally introduced to the concept of empathy in the early stages of my social work education and training.  It didn't take me long to realize though that I knew this concept way before this time in my life, I just didn't know it had a name.  Empathy Is...

I would say that my ability to see, listen, and feel through the eyes of another was born out of my own struggle and the tremendous learning (and awareness) that it has provided me over the years.  Empathy is something that I continue to cultivate and as an instructor I am fortunate to have ample opportunity to support and guide students within their own empathic development.  It is a process, one that I believe evolves as you do, grows as you choose to, and is available as long as you are.  Empathy Is...

There are so many wonderful opportunities to work on and learn from empathy.  Whether it is by choice or awareness, the lessons are always available as long as you are.  If you find yourself consumed with distraction or worry, you wouldn't be able to see it, let alone feel it.  Furthermore, if you think that your level of empathy is brought to you as a result of writing a paper or reading an article, you may be a little off.  Yes, there is ample learning to support your development and growth here, but the true depth of your ability to empathize lies within you.  As I mentioned previously (perhaps it didn't register with you at the time) we all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate it as we add to our personal self and professional practice.  Empathy Is...

My writing today was inspired by choice and chance, having another opportunity to empower and support is the outcome I strive towards.  The words may not find you immediately, but hopefully they will as you find yourself supporting another who is need.  Particularly when you are in that space and place that has you stuck in your head, challenged by what you can't control, rooted in the energy that will only project the opposite of who you want to be.  Empathy Is...

As I come to a close here I am leaving you with a great opportunity (and example) of the learning we can gain through the eyes of another, you get to decide how it finds you, Empathy Is...  It is always a pleasure connecting with those that can hear me, may this find you breathing well out there with your head up and heart open!




 About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢

Learning Through Your Eyes Series...

As I have featured many times in this forum, learning through the eyes of another is such a great vehicle to empower and support.  It teaches us in a manner that allows us to inspire and reach, educate and teach, and tap into that space and place that has intention, purpose, and action.

I am pleased and excited to offer this great opportunity to any and all that can hear me.  It's time we hear your story, the one that led you into the field of helping others change for the better.  Can You Hear Me? wants to provide a forum for you to share your passion, as you reflect and remember how you got started, the influences, challenges and obstacles that have shaped your lens.  Everyone has crossed paths with those that have inspired, mentored, and supported you along the way.  The goal here with this opportunity is for you to be able to share a part of yourself that most don't see or understand.  The story that has greatly impacted your practice, the one that comes from that place within and is carried out as you strive to provide to those in need.  If this sounds like an opportunity that you have been waiting for, or one that has peaked your interest, I would be honored to help you help yourself!

So, now the specifics...  There will be two ways to share, through the written word or by video, the choice will be yours.  If you choose to share your story by writing it out I ask you to keep it between 500-600 words.  You can include your name and any website or link that showcases your efforts as you strive to help others in need. Or you can be anonymous.  I want to support you in this opportunity, while allowing you to work within your own level of comfort.  So, if you want to include a picture, please do so, if you don't that's okay.  The second option to share is by video, I ask that you to keep your visual piece to a maximum of 7 minutes.  I will post your story on this blog, while promoting it on all of the Can You Hear Me? social media platforms.  Your story will allow the reader or viewer the opportunity to learn through your eyes, a process that can empower, support, inspire and transform!

Please send your stories (written or video) to: info@canyouhearme.org and I will post according to your request to be named or not.  This series will be continually updated and adjusted accordingly as it grows and develops.

Any questions or need for further clarification please feel free to reach out by using the comment section below, included email, or contact me directly on the Can You Hear Me? website →

May this find you well!      

Respectfully,
Daniel Jacob (Founder of Can You Hear Me?)


 About Author
 

Daniel Jacob, MSW  Email

Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern  California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. 

More about the man behind the mission ⇢

I'm Walking Through...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

I'm Walking Through...  As I reflect into my words I am immersed into the history that has shaped me, while looking through that hopeful lens.  This week I am touched by the possibility of an opportunity that I surely never thought would become a potential reality .  You see, the expectation changes as you do, and the learning as a result can be empowering.  As I write I am holding on to just that as I'm Walking Through... 

Like many of you who can hear me I have those selected few in my corner who advise me as needed.  You know the one's I'm talking about as they mentor, guide, support and show the learning that you cannot always see on your own.  One trusted individual in particular shared with me (sometime ago) a valuable lesson that applies well to where I am at today.  As my fingers tap out my emotion I am inspired, and so I choose to pass it on and along.  It goes like this: our expectation is just that and when the outcome presents, it often far exceeds what we may have originally imagined.  The most recent chapter in my journey (the one that not everyone will understand) has truly supported this lesson, I can see it so clearly as I'm Walking Through...

As I contemplate my future and what awaits, my words (and the intention within) once again serve as an opportunity to connect my voice and story with your possibility.  No matter where you find yourself on the road we call life, may you see the hope that is hand in hand with your expectation.  Continue to trust the process that you must be a part of, because without such you do not move forward.  Wherever you end up may you recognize what you have gained, as you embrace and accept that it was always meant to be.

Until the next time my words meet your availability may you walk with you head up and heart open, as you continue to be well to yourself and those in need.  I'm Walking Through... 

     

About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢

Wisdom...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

Wisdom...  My writing this week is inspired by the words to the left, and my thoughts as a result have allowed for further process.  *Contrary to popular beliefs, wisdom is not the gift of "knowing everything," but rather possessing an open mind to further increase knowledge.  A wise person always thinks before they speak, talk about subjects they know about, and ask questions about the ones he/she are not familiar with.  People who possess wisdom tend to be humble and do not show off, Wisdom...

It is fair to say that I have been provided some life experiences that have allowed for necessary insight and reflection.  In addition, my academic training and work experiences have only enhanced my understanding and awareness, Wisdom...  However, what resonates with me today is that connection between listening and speaking, and how my roots have shaped and influenced my wise ways. Growing up the youngest in a house with strong presence, separation, challenge, distance and many other factors impacted my inability to have a voice...  These early influences shaped my identity, but they also opened up a door towards opportunity.  As I moved through this space and place I was able to further develop by observing, listening and learning from my surroundings.  This foundation in of itself shaped my development and my ability to see what most pass by, Wisdom...

Although there have been many times in my life when I would of rather spoken, I have been afforded a true gift because I did not.  One that has allowed me to see through the eyes of others, and give in a manner that can truly change the quality of life.  What once began by challenge has moved me through that thing we call growth...  It ultimately turned into an ability to effectively help (and support) and I have been rewarded, Wisdom...

As I leave you with your own thoughts, may you move towards a level of understanding that once again will allow you to see what you have, and not what you just do not need.  Listening when you would have preferred to talk, Wisdom... 

* "Characteristics of Wisdom." Reference.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.  

 

 About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSWEmail
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢

It's A Process...

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

It's A Process... Indeed it is as this is where I am at.  Like many of those that can hear me, I can find myself immersed into my own thoughts and reflection as it applies to my future.  I took note recently as I found myself thinking about this more than perhaps was needed.  As a result I found my sleep being impacted with the problem solving in full effect.  I can honestly say that it has been quite some time since I've visited this place and space.  However, as I have come to understand, I am accepting of where I am at, while continuing to be a part of it, after all It's A Process...

I write this week from a place of intention and purpose.  My intention speaks to any and all who may be facing similar times.  My purpose is to model in a manner that showcases my ability to cope, manage and recover from the thoughts that come, and usually on their own schedule.  The future is not really the issue here, this will come as it should.  The root lies in what I just can not control, and thus it takes a level of awareness to understand this, accept it, and let it go.  How am I able to do this?  I trust the process, one that I am a wholeheartedly a part of.  For example, if my sleep is impacted, I have to own it while continuing to do my work.  The effort therefore lies in my continual trust that I am doing the right thing, without thinking.  This is the course that fully supports my wellbeing, as demonstrated by the healthy coping mechanisms and selfcare practices that are in place.  It's A Process...

Now you may be thinking no more or less about what I shared, as if there is no mystery here.  Well, If I can further share that in the past my self-medication and unhealthy coping would of been the only choice, then perhaps I now have your attention.  Having this experiential understanding of an unhealthy way versus a process serves its purpose, one that has led me towards transformative change...  I am exactly where I need to be.  I share this with all those that can hear me because I know some out there are caught in between that vulnerable world of being functional and unhealthy.  I get it, as I have been there with you, superman by my side.  I was immersed into that mode of survival that ultimately met a force that it could not withstand...

If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.  Words to live by that have fundamentally supported my process.  The one that I trust because I am a part of.  So, when the thoughts come and the sleep suffers as a result, I know I am going to be OK.  I will because I have developed and maintained the skills, support, want, belief and commitment that will always help me find my way.  As I leave you with this message, may you move closer towards finding your own way, and may you never, never lose sight of the reality that It's A Process, Change Takes Time!




About Author

Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission⇢