15 November 2021
“It's dangerous to think of yourself as a hero and someone else as a villain. It gets in the way of empathy.”
Megan Ganz
Reflection
Here we have our dear brain in action again. To receive with empathy someone we have judgments about is actually partly against our biology. It takes time and is exhausting. Our brain is righteous and is alert to dangers. Our mind quickly defends us against threats from the outside world. This tendency has promoted our survival. In today's modern society, we often do not need to be so quick to react. Expanding the space between stimuli and response opens up the possibility of acting rather than reacting. To act instead of reacting, we need to make an effort. And when we make this conscious effort, we make space for empathy.
Today's exercise
Think of a situation where you acted in line with your own values and where someone else did not act in a way you like. Imagine that you are the other person. When you are the other person, what values did you act from in the situation? Can you experience in your body what needs the other person was trying to meet?
Tip of the day
Join our One Month for Strong Relations. Every day in December you have the opportunity to dive into knowledge and inspiration how to connect with others: One Month for Strong Relations - Empathic Way Europe (empathiceurope.com)
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