Thursday, September 4, 2014

Chapter 8 - The Power of Empathy

Chapter 8 - Notes from Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

Empathy lies in our ability to be present.

Empathy can be healing because when we are heard we are able to re-perceive the world in a new way and move on.

We may find ourselves being defensive or apologetic, instead of empathic, in the presence of those we identify as our "superiors" (those who appear to possess more power, status, or resources.

Empathizing with others first helps us see our commonality and then we are able to open up to them and be more vulnerable.

The situations where we are the most reluctant to express vulnerability are often those where we want to maintain a "tough image" for fear of losing authority and control.

If we feel unsafe (an image that we are being humiliated or taken advantage of) we will be too wounded, angry, or scared to empathize with the other person, and would need to withdraw physically to give self some empathy or request it from a safe person, to connect with the needs triggered.  Then once we are connected with ourselves we can return and offer empathy to the other.


Using empathy to defuse danger

Empathy for hearing someone's "No!"

Empathy for reviving a lifeless conversation

Empathy for silence

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