“Much of the information we need to understand another is given to us by the person, whether verbally or through facial expressions and body language. Often, we are so intent on giving advice or coming up with a perfect answer that we miss these cues. When we really listen and ask questions, we are able… Read More I know just what you mean …
I came across this wonderful video – It’s Not About The Nail. At under 2 minutes long, it’s definitely worth a watch. A simple demonstration of how the strong urge to rescue rather than empathise can lead to miscommunication. Thought-provoking, no doubt, to all leaders and coaches out there. Very clever.
“Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection… Read More Who could argue . . .
A recent little light-hearted banter with a loved one about a difficulty they were experiencing (and don’t tell me I can’t do empathy), elicited this response: “Form is temporary. Talent permanent!” Ooh, I like that. So true.
Researchers have recently found that dogs can recognize emotions in humans and in other dogs. Apparently this very clever species is now known to be able to imitate other doggy expressions and have the capacity for empathy. And their ability to combine emotional cues may be intrinsic. If only a dog’s best friend was as good at reading… Read More I didn’t expect this . . .
Care-based thinking, or in philosophical terms, reversibility, means putting love for others first, doing to others what you’d like them to do to you. And while I believe that in order to truly respect the diversity of another, we should, instead, be doing to them what they, rather than what we, want, I nevertheless understand the… Read More Empathy matters . . .
Ages ago, I heard someone say . . . “I don’t think the universe should be set up to accommodate my personal preferences” I wish I’d made a note of who said it. I’ve kept it ever since as a reminder of a rather lovely, modest commentary. An opportunity to remember that there are others… Read More You’ll LOVE this . . .
A family member tells us the lengthiest of stories. Their best involved a vivid description of the furniture in their bedroom, to explain where they kept their Will. We learnt the colour of the carpet, the age of the bed (why?), the difference between the wardrobes in their room – subsequently identified as Wardrobe No.… Read More Wardrobe No. 2 . . .
ChristineWilkinsonCoaching 