Meeting summary
Susan and Edwin discussed developing a training curriculum for empathic listening, with Susan expressing her desire to create a more comprehensive training that focuses on the inner lives of both speakers and listeners. Susan shared her concerns about current empathy circles lacking depth and expressed her intention to develop exercises that help participants connect to their felt experiences and speak from a deeper place. Edwin presented the project infrastructure he's created, including a Google Doc workspace and organizational structure for the curriculum development. They discussed various aspects of empathy including different types of empathic listening, blocks to empathy, and the importance of training both facilitators and trainers. The conversation concluded with Susan indicating she would take time to develop an outline for her training approach before their next meeting.
Susan and Edwin discussed Susan's plans to develop a new empathic listening training program. Susan expressed her desire to take a slower approach, focusing on the inner lives of both speakers and listeners, and plans to consult with Alan Rolf for feedback on her approach. She criticized current empathic listening circles for lacking depth in understanding participants' underlying meanings and emotions.
Susan expressed concerns about the current state of empathy circles, feeling they have become more superficial compared to pre-pandemic practices where people focused more on understanding others' internal experiences. She indicated plans to develop a training program and a one-hour session to address this issue. Edwin acknowledged participating in empathy circles with his partner and in different settings, though not regularly in the evening sessions, and mentioned Lou as an example of a skilled listener.
Edwin and Susan discussed creating a training module to help people go deeper in empathy circles. Edwin explained his interest in developing tools for deeper listening and connecting to felt experiences, potentially incorporating techniques from focusing, NVC, and compassionate listening. Susan expressed familiarity with Jean Gendlin's work and mentioned her connection with Alan Rose, suggesting he might be interested in contributing to the curriculum project.
Susan proposed creating a training program focused on the entire process, including the use of empathy circles to help participants share and understand each other's thoughts and feelings more deeply. Edwin agreed that providing guidance at the beginning of empathy sessions would be helpful in setting a deeper tone. They discussed the importance of sharing personal experiences and using empathic reflection to support others, aligning with a non-directive approach. Susan suggested taking a break to reflect further on the process, given other commitments.
Edwin presented a project space for developing a Movement Curriculum, which includes invitations for team members, a core team list, and plans for training modules. The project aims to create empathy circle practices, personal support modules, growth modules, and off-the-shelf presentations. Edwin also discussed plans for a 10-hour facilitator training program and a train-the-trainer module, with Susan confirming she had previously completed similar training with Bill.
Edwin and Susan discussed different aspects of empathy, including cognitive empathy, imaginative empathy, and mutual empathy in the context of empathy circles. They explored various training approaches and potential modules, such as empathy in leadership and supervision. Susan suggested developing a chart to outline training topics, activities, desired outcomes, and comments. They agreed to continue brainstorming and planning the training content, with Susan taking time to develop an outline before their next meeting.