3 Minute Retreat - Empathy

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Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

“When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and argument. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you understand, and you show that you understand, you can love, and the situation will change" - Thich Nhat Hanh

Empaths don't just listen to your words. They listen to your use of words, your tone, your body movements, your eyes, your subtle facial expressions. They interpret your silences; they can hear everything you don't say in words.
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I thought this was a beautiful statement. I find every single one of us struggles at times with listening when in a conversation with a loved one or friend or family member or just someone who is reaching out. Truly listening is a gift but taking it to the next level as empaths do is a blessing.

How can you be this kind of presence to the next person that comes before you?

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