What Are Empathetic Actions?

What Are Empathetic Actions?

At True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we believe that martial arts training should strengthen both body and character. Through our True Character program, we teach social-emotional skills to students as young as three and as old as eighty-six. This month, our focus has been on empathy—understanding how others feel.

We’ve talked about what empathy means, how our words and actions affect others, and how to communicate our own feelings. Now, we’re focusing on the actions we can take to show empathy.

One of the simplest and most powerful empathetic actions is listening. Truly listening—paying attention to words, tone, and body language—shows others that we care. For younger students, this also means learning how to take turns in conversation: listening when someone else is sharing, and then responding with kindness.

Other empathetic actions include offering a compliment, giving a smile, or noticing when someone looks sad or stressed and reaching out. Sometimes empathy means being flexible—adjusting plans or problem-solving differently when big feelings come up. A simple calming breath, like inhaling slowly and exhaling as if blowing out birthday candles, can also help us manage emotions so we can better support others.

Empathy is about awareness—recognizing the feelings of others and responding with kindness and respect. Whether it’s a child proud of a Lego tower that falls, an adult stressed by a lost work file, or someone nervous on their first day, we’ve all experienced similar feelings. By remembering those moments, we can connect with others and take care of each other in meaningful ways.

I encourage you to keep practicing empathy: notice, listen, and act with kindness. That’s how we build stronger relationships and communities.

Thanks, and I’ll see you on the mat!

True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.

We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.

Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!