Empathy Drawing
Materials Needed:
To Support Feeling:
Judgmental
How to Do It
Think about the person or idea you’ve been judging. Sit down with a blank sheet of paper and some drawing tools. Instead of focusing on your judgments, try to draw how that person or idea might see the world. Use colors, shapes, and lines to represent their emotions, challenges, or perspectives. Once finished, reflect on the drawing and how it might help you understand them better.
Why It Works
Drawing from someone else’s perspective encourages you to step outside of your own viewpoint. This creative process can help you develop empathy and reduce feelings of dismissiveness.
Guided Practice
Find a place where you can sit quietly with a piece of paper and a pencil or pen. Close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths, bringing your awareness to your heart space. Notice any sensations that arise—perhaps a warmth or a slight tension.
Settle further into your seat, allowing each breath to soften your body and bring calm to your mind. Think of someone in your life who could use a bit of compassion or support, perhaps a friend, a family member, or even yourself. Visualize this person in your mind's eye, seeing them clearly and feeling their presence. Start to draw something that represents empathy or support for this person — it could be a heart, a comforting hand, or a simple symbol of care. As you draw, notice the sensations in your hand and fingers, the way the pencil or crayon moves across the paper. Feel the emotions that arise as you draw — perhaps a sense of compassion, a feeling of connection, or even a release of sadness. Stay with these emotions and sensations, allowing your drawing to become a form of empathetic expression. Imagine that each stroke of the pencil or crayon is a way to offer support and care, not just to the person you are thinking of, but also to yourself. Notice if any thoughts, feelings, or memories arise — perhaps a sense of empathy, a feeling of warmth, or a memory of offering or receiving support. Allow these experiences to deepen your practice, connecting you more fully to the act of compassionate expression. As you continue drawing, imagine the lines and shapes as pathways of connection, a bridge between your heart and the heart of the person you are thinking of. Feel the energy of empathy flowing through your drawing, bringing a sense of unity and shared experience. Notice how this practice of empathy drawing changes your awareness — perhaps making you feel more open, more connected, or more compassionate. Stay with these feelings, letting them guide your hand as you draw. When you feel ready, put down your pencil or crayon and look at your drawing, taking a few deep breaths to ground yourself in the present moment. Notice how your body feels now — perhaps more connected, more compassionate, or simply more aware of your own ability to empathize and support. Gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of empathy and connection with you into your day, feeling more attuned to the needs of others and yourself.