What have we each noticed in ourselves so far since starting taking part in the empathy circle practice?
What have been some effects of doing empathy circles on your daily life and relationships?
I have noticed great changes in myself. I am much calmer and receptive and actually listening to others better and with greater interest. My need for my own agenda to be heard seems to be mostly a non-issue during conversations. I am feeling more relaxed and spacious during conversations and feeling more satisfaction during and after the interaction. I am feeling more grounded. I can tell a change has and is occurring. I am more natural in my conversations.
One more notice I feel most excited about is that I have actually been able to be reflective back to speakers in an effortless way. So much so, it surprised even me. The words and tone, if you will, just naturally blended with what the speaker was saying. It was just a few simple words spoken by me, the speaker confirmed back , we connected and whoosh, moved onto the next moment.
Bob
important pieces of my life are coming together for the better.
acknowledging grace as the prime mover in my life
Centering Prayer as taught by Thomas Keating OCSO
prayerful reading of The Dhammapada, edited selections from The Psalms, and portions of the New Testament
reciting a new version of The Lord's Prayer
praying for others
prayers of thanksgiving
surrendering my self-centeredness
asking to receive the heart and mind of Jesus
Empathy Circles
rejoicing in my marriage
gratitude for our two sons
serving the homeless in our community
tolerant of the shortcomings of my spiritual community
All of these are helping me let go of my false self and becoming my true self -- better listener, less interest in being right, more patient, more thankful, better at living in the moment