This is my use of terminology. Please look at it conceptually \u2015 much more interesting. [see: \u201cConceptual Landscapes<\/a>\u201d] In any case, the two concepts have fuzzy and overlapping borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please also read about this other distinction: [see: \u201cAltruism \u2013 Compassion<\/a>\u201d]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy beyond the conceptual, on the path toward Compassion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [see also: \u201cEmpathy in 1, 2, 3 – Part 3: \u2018Beyond the Conceptual\u2019<\/a>\u201d]<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Compassionate person is necessarily also empathic. Yet, Compassion, as a concept, emphasizes depth, thus on broadly distributed mental-neuronal \u2018subconceptual\u2019 patterns. [see: \u201cCompassion, Basically<\/a>\u201d] Compassion includes what cannot be conceptually grasped [see RG: \u201cEmpathy Beyond the Conceptual Level<\/a>\u201d]<\/p>\n\n\n\n A meditative mindset is needed. Formal meditation can surely help to reach Compassion, while empathy can go without.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To deeply = to broadly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This way, Compassion goes to deep inside, from there spontaneously to outside and to action, like an overflowing bucket. The action is towards helping other people also in their Compassionate path. This leads to their self-Compassion, then also towards yet others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s like an energy that gets dispersed and at the same time gets stronger \u2015 a positive vicious circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some comparisons and metaphors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Compassion is the art form of empathy. [see: \u201cIs Compassion Art?<\/a>\u201d]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy can be strictly prosaic, whereas Compassion is definitely also poetic. Its poetic mindscape can be an alternative to conceptual religion, whereas empathy can never do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy can let you skate upon a pond in wintertime, whereas Compassion is the whole pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy can be like sand, whereas Compassion is like water. It\u2019s a different medium, enabling different things. One can be confused with mud, being sand and water together. When a plant needs water, it can be helped with mud, but not with sand. This way, the confusion can last for a while, but in the end, of course, it\u2019s better to gain proper insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some other distinctions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy can be rather feeling-related or rather thinking-related. In Compassion, thinking and feeling are transcended towards each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy is not necessarily rational, whereas Compassion encompasses the utmost striving for rationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Compassion, it\u2019s much harder to conceive the absence of morality. An empathic person can be charismatic and dangerous at the same time. I think of someone like Hitler, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compassion is basically bent on the Compassionate other, and thus on deep communication \u2015 not just dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Importance in coaching<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Compassionate coaching, depth can be kindled from the inside out. Thus, we attain the field of human growth. In AURELIS coaching, this is deemed as important as the relief of suffering (diminishment of symptoms).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is also crucial in leadership and burnout, stress, motivation, career coaching, etc. Without \u2018the inside out,\u2019 there is no growth. One can only put people into categories (boxes) that may feel comfortably secure until life comes knocking again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only Compassion works most profoundly and durably. [see: \u201cOnly Compassion Works<\/a>\u201d]<\/p>\n