Pity is a feeling of sorrow and compassion evoked by the suffering of others. It can be both benevolent, where you genuinely care about someone’s pain, or contemptuous, where it feels more like condescension. Pity often arises when we see someone in a difficult situation that we believe they don’t deserve. According to Plutchik's framework, pity is a form of sadness with low arousal and negative valence. It can be a powerful emotion that motivates us to help others, but it can also make us feel helpless or overwhelmed if not managed well.
Using Inner
Using Inner, you can track patterns of when pity arises, such as after watching news or visiting someone in need. Pay attention to physical sensations like heaviness in the chest or a lump in the throat. Label your feelings precisely, distinguishing between benevolent and contemptuous pity. Explore healthy ways to express this emotion, like volunteering or offering support. If pity feels overwhelming, use regulation strategies like deep breathing or mindfulness to manage it.
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