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The Mystery of Empathy

Dr. Joel Salinas of Harvard on feeling someone else’s pain.

Feeling someone else's pain
Credit: Getty Images
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We’ve all heard those stories about husbands who pick up on their wives’ labor pains or get similar pregnancy cravings. But is sympathy pain really a thing? Is it actually possible to feel another’s pain? And if so, what’s the spiritual point of it all?

Those are questions associate editor Hilary Ribons asked in the most recent issue of Mysterious Ways magazine. It’s a fascinating article, one that contemplates the mystery of empathy.

To talk more about that topic, Dr. Joel Salinas, a Harvard neurologist who offered his perspective for the article, will be joining us for a live chat on our Facebook page  on Saturday, June 9 at 11 a.m. ET.

Dr. Salinas is the author of Mirror Touch: Notes from a Doctor Who Can Feel Your Pain. He has mirror-touch synesthesia, a rare neurological condition that allows him to feel the pain of others. He’ll be talking about his experience as a doctor with synesthesia and also the science behind empathy and sympathy pains.

To leave a question for Dr. Salinas in advance, simply comment below or email us at MW@Guideposts.org.

Hope to see you on Facebook on Saturday, June 9!

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