Empathy Movement First Responders
Speaker: Catherine Cadden (15 min)
Bio: Catherine Cadden is a mom, educator, storyteller, and dancer with over 30 years of experience in bringing innovative programs in nonviolence, mindfulness, and conflict transformation to people of all ages, on six continents. (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)
Topic: Empathy Movement First Responders
Abstract: In this talk, I invite you to help build the Empathy Movement by becoming Empathy First Responders. Drawing from my experience offering emotional support at a traumatic accident and during high-stress public events, I’ll share how empathy can bridge divides and humanize opposing perspectives. Respond with presence, compassion, and curiosity, helping to heal and connect in polarized or charged situations.
https://otter.ai/u/CwqX5fNMubKC8ZCzegFeXTgPqec?view=summary
Catherine Cadden, an experienced educator and storyteller, coined the term "empathy first responder" during an incident in Maui where she comforted a distressed couple involved in a car accident. Jesse Williams and Rina Jinwala discussed the concept, emphasizing the importance of empathy in crisis situations. They highlighted that empathy can mitigate feelings of blame, shame, and guilt, and suggested simple practices like offering compassionate words or actions to support others. Rina shared a personal example from India, illustrating how empathy can help in everyday situations, and Jesse underscored the role of empathy in fostering a basic sense of human care in communities.
[ ] Implement being an "empathy first responder" in your own life by offering compassion and support to those in distress.
[ ] Practice self-care and expanding your capacity to be present and empathetic in challenging situations.
Speaker 1 introduces Catherine Cadden, highlighting her roles as a mom, educator, storyteller, and dancer with over 30 years of experience.
Catherine's innovative programs focus on non-violence, mindfulness, and conflict transformation for people aged six and up.
Jesse Williams, Catherine's partner, introduces the session on empathy and first responders.
Jesse mentions that the idea of empathy first responders was coined by Catherine during a significant event in Maui, Hawaii.
Jesse recounts an incident in Maui where Catherine and her friends witnessed a car accident involving a pedestrian.
Catherine immediately assessed the situation and made an empathic connection with the shocked couple in the car.
She offered compassion and support, helping the couple to express their emotions and connect with the medical first responders.
The term "empathy first responder" was coined by Catherine during this incident, emphasizing the importance of human compassion in crisis situations.
Rina Jinwala from India shares her experiences as an empathy first responder, highlighting the importance of empathy in crisis situations.
Rina describes a situation on a bus journey where she offered support to a mother struggling with her children.
She emphasizes the importance of self-empathy and taking deep breaths to stay present and supportive in challenging situations.
Rina's example illustrates how empathy can help individuals feel validated and supported, even in the midst of chaos.
Jesse and Rina discuss the principles and practices of being an empathy first responder.
They highlight the importance of paying attention to situations where blame, shame, and guilt are present, and offering compassion to those affected.
Simple acts of kindness, such as offering a smile or a supportive comment, can make a significant difference in someone's day.
The conversation emphasizes that anyone can be an empathy first responder and contribute to creating a basic sense of human care in their community.