Empathy &: Recent Episodes
Michael Scott Evans
Empathy is a superpower...and you have it! It is a biological, neurological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual imperative....and it is the primary key to deep connections and thriving relationships. Join me as we dig deep into all things empathy.
Cover Art by Melissa Lee @ TheHouseofLees.Com https://www.patreon.com/empathyand Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/empathyand/support
Week 23:The Mindful Empath's Almanac
I will start recording these voiceovers so they hit the podcast feed, I hope you enjoy them!! If you become a paid subscriber you will begin to receive longer audio meditations (8 per year). The next one is coming up soon!!
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Transcript:
“I am not gay, but if I were, I would be the first one running out of the closet.”
~ Dolly Parton
Reflection:
I used to think that being gay was wrong.
I used to think that there was only ONE way to be human, to love, and to have a family.
I used to think that gayness was a sin, because that’s what I was told by the people that interpreted the Bible for me.
I don’t think these things anymore, and it’s not because “society” or “culture” has changed my values.
The truth of the matter is that the value of love and equality in the eyes of the divine is one that most Christians claim.
I think the one thing that really changed my opinion on this (as well as my views on race) was the realization that ASSIMILATION into the dominant culture was COUNTER to the Gospel of Love.
Assimilation requires uniformity.
It denies the dynamic uniqueness of the individual in favor of a homogenous sameness that feels safe.
Evangelization shouldn’t require assimilation, but that is what it has become. Evangelization and Colonialism are the tools of empire, of conquering.
Pride: to be conscious of one's own dignity.
Pride should be about recognizing that my dignity and personhood is not an affront to anyone else’s.
Pride should be about understanding that the Gospel of Love is an invitation to ALL who believe that LOVE is both the question and the answer to the purpose of being.
My dignity is not up for debate. Neither is the dignity of ANYONE regardless who they love, what they look like, who they pray to (or don’t), or their nationality.
Celebrate our LGBTQIA family and friends, and perhaps you might find some pride as well.
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today, I choose to recognize the divine presence in everyone I encounter.
Meditation:
Universal Love
Imagine a radiant light at the center of your being. This light represents the love that is inherent within all of us, a love that connects us to all beings. See this light expanding outward, reaching out to encompass everyone you know and love.
Breathe.
Now, visualize this light extending further, reaching out to people you don't know but share experiences with, like colleagues, neighbors, or fellow travelers. See the light embrace them with warmth and acceptance.
Breathe again.
Bring to mind the LGBTQIA+ community. See them bathed in this same radiant light of universal love. Recognize that their love is just as valid, just as beautiful, as any other form of love.
Silently repeat this affirmation, or one that resonates with you: "All love is welcome. All love is worthy. All love is a reflection of the universal light."
Spend some time simply basking in this feeling of universal love and acceptance. Feel the barriers between yourself and others dissolving. Recognize the shared humanity that connects us all.
Imagine yourself carrying this light of love with you as you move through your day. See yourself interacting with everyone you meet with kindness and compassion. Notice how this simple act of love can ripple outward, creating a more accepting and loving world.
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Cultivation:
Here are a few practical ideas for cultivating a compassion and connection with the LGBTQIA community.
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Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQIA+ identities, history, and current issues. There are many resources online and in libraries, like GLAAD or PFLAG.
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Use Inclusive Language: Avoid heteronormative assumptions and gendered language. Use people's chosen names and pronouns.
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Challenge Assumptions: Don't make assumptions about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity based on appearance.
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Be an Ally: Speak out against discrimination and prejudice. Support LGBTQIA+ rights and organizations..
Appreciation:
With a heart full of gratitude, I thank the universe for the boundless wellspring of love that flows through all creation. This love knows no boundaries, embracing every soul regardless of background, identity, or orientation.
I am deeply grateful for the gift of acceptance, for the feeling of belonging that comes from knowing I am loved and valued for who I truly am. This acceptance allows me to live authentically and share my light with the world.
Thank you for the beautiful tapestry of humanity, woven with threads of diverse experiences and perspectives. This variety enriches our world and reminds us of the universal love that connects us all.
May I continue to be a vessel of this love, radiating acceptance and compassion towards myself and others. With a grateful spirit, I step forward, ready to share the light of love in the world.
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Week 20:The Mindful Empath Almanac
I will start recording these voiceovers so they hit the podcast feed, I hope you enjoy them!! If you become a paid subscriber you will begin to receive longer audio meditations (8 per year). The next one is coming up soon!!mindfulempath.substack.com/subscribe
Quote:
“The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love.”
~ Henry Miller
A Poem about Space:
I’ve been thinking a lot about space lately.
How we use it.How we make room for it.How we manipulate it and how we abuse it.How we “take it up” or push it away.
And how, oftentimes, we don’t make time for it in our day.
Space can be holy, or can it?
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The room to breathe is all good and well, but the air...the energy in that space can open up for what is already there.
The space between you and me is charged with energy.
My words and body, my energetic space, can communicate anger, pity, resentment.These messages get flung with every harsh word, every dark stare.Pushing everyone away…creating distance…space.
On a different day I might be a peaceful harbor of safety, love, and contentment.that speaks kindness, grace, and forgiveness.
It is with these kind words and hopeful actions we pull people towards us in harmony, unity, and love.
Every warm embrace and loving gesture imagines a space where we are connected, alive and together.
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today, I allow myself to give and receive love fully.
Meditation:
To listen to the following meditation in audio form, please play below.
Making Space for Love
Within your chest, visualize a soft, warm light. This light represents your capacity for love.
With each inhale, imagine this light growing brighter and expanding outward. Feel it fill your entire body, reaching your fingertips and toes.
As you exhale, let go of any thoughts, worries, or past experiences that might be holding you back from love. Release them like clouds drifting away in the sky.
Breathe in love, expanding the light within.
Breathe out anything that might be blocking your ability to receive and give love.
Notice the spaciousness created by releasing negativity. This is the space you're making for love to flow freely.
Stay with this feeling of openness and love for a few moments. Let it fill you and radiate outward.
Cultivation:
Here are a few practical ideas for cultivating love-space around you!
Practice active listening: When someone is talking to you, give them your full attention. Make eye contact, ask clarifying questions, and avoid interrupting.
Offer words of encouragement: Notice someone's efforts and compliment them genuinely. Offer support and positive reinforcement to those around you.
Spend quality time together: Plan a meaningful activity with a loved one, friend, or family member. Put away distractions and focus on enjoying each other's company.
Appreciation:
Do you struggle with showing appreciation to the people in your life that deserve it? It’s good to remember Henry Miller’s quote. Love is ABSOLUTELY something we never get enough of or get! It’s also one of those rare elements in life that ONLY exists and grows when we give it away. Here are some examples of Gratitude statements for your loved ones….
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For love and support: "I am so grateful for your unwavering love and support. You make me feel safe and cherished."
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For laughter and joy: "Thank you for bringing so much laughter and joy into my life. You make even the ordinary days feel extraordinary."
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For growth and learning: "I'm so thankful for the ways you challenge me and help me grow as a person."
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For understanding and acceptance: "Thank you for accepting me for who I am, flaws and all. It means the world to feel understood."
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For specific qualities: "I appreciate your incredible sense of humor/patience/generosity. It makes our relationship so special."
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For shared experiences: "I cherish all the memories we've made together, and I can't wait to create many more."
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Quote:
“I have not an ounce of regret. Every link is so valuable in forming the chain that is my life. Who I am today is because of those links, and I wouldn't change any of them.”
~ Alanis Morisette
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Reflection on Regret and Present Moment Awareness:
The past has served its purpose for you, my friends.
It has brought you here, to this very moment.
All the turns and detours, the imprecise directions that turned into unexpected adventures, the bad choices and the wonderful celebrations, all of it.
It brought you here.
You COULD concentrate and emphasize the "wrong" turns or the "bad" choices, but even they brought you HERE to this divine moment, so I ask you...what use is regret?
Release that s**t.
Release that along with any feelings of guilt or remorse you might have.
Your path is your own and comparing it to others can be a source of great suffering.
Release that.
Release that along with any and all expectations, met or unmet.
In the divine magic of unlimited opportunity in THIS moment, those expectations don't serve you.
There might have been people that you've journeyed with at times that are no longer companions.
Release those feelings of abandonment.
Maybe they veered off into a different direction, or perhaps it was you that wandered off in curiosity?
Those crossroads and worn paths are behind you now, and those decisions brought you here.
There are likely beliefs and ways of being that you've moved beyond. It is not better or worse that others are still in those places, that is part of their journey.
Release those feelings of comparison, or even superiority, that others aren't where you are.
Release the idea that where you are, RIGHT NOW, is your final destination.
There are miles to go, dear traveler.
Release those things that are weighing you down, and walk lighter.
Walk, run, dance, and along your path you might find others dancing with you. You have found your tribe. Those are the ones that will walk you home.
Enjoy the journey.
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today I choose to live with courage and authenticity, embracing growth over perfection..
Meditation:
To listen to the following meditation in audio form, please play below.
Releasing Regret
Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Close your eyes gently, or soften your gaze if you prefer.
Bring your awareness to your breath. Feel the rise and fall of your chest with each inhale and exhale. Let your breath be your anchor, guiding you back to the present moment when your mind wanders.
(Notice any feelings of regret that may arise. Don't judge them, simply acknowledge them with a gentle curiosity.)
Imagine regret as a physical weight, a heavy stone you're carrying. Feel its density, its shape. See yourself holding onto it tightly.
(With each exhale, visualize yourself loosening your grip on the stone. Let it become a little lighter with each breath.)
Now, see a soft light filling the space where the stone was. This light represents self-compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. Let it bathe you in its warmth.
Repeat the following phrase three times as you breathe deeply…
“I am learning and growing.”
Continue breathing deeply, feel the weight being lifted and replaced with the light of self-compassion.
When you are ready, gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings. Take a few moments to integrate this feeling of release.
Remember, releasing regret is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself as you practice letting go.
Cultivation:
Releasing regret is a powerful tool, and one that takes a lot of self-care and time. Here are some tips to help you along the journey!
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Acknowledge and Feel: The first step is to acknowledge the regret. Suppressing it only gives it power. Sit with the feeling, observe it without judgment. What emotions come up?
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Learn from the Past: Instead of dwelling on "what ifs," use regret as a teacher. What can you learn from the situation? How can you use this knowledge to make better choices moving forward?
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Forgive Yourself: We all make mistakes. Holding onto self-blame only hurts you. Practice self-compassion. Forgive yourself for the decisions you made with the knowledge you had at the time.
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Focus on What You Can Control: You can't change the past, but you can control your present and future. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus your energy on what you can do now to create a fulfilling life.
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Embrace Growth: See your regrets as stepping stones on your path of growth. Every experience, good or bad, shapes who you are. Celebrate your journey and the lessons learned along the way.
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Practice Gratitude: Shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. Appreciating the good things can help counter feelings of regret.
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Live in the Present: Regret often keeps us stuck in the past. Mindfulness practices like meditation can help you focus on the present moment, where you have the power to make choices that align with your values.
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Seek Support: Talking to a therapist or counselor can be a valuable tool in processing regret and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Appreciation:
Sometimes bad decisions that we might have a feeling of regret for can be humbling experiences that force us to re-evaluate our priorities or appreciate what we have. Did a financial setback make you more grateful for financial security? Did a relationship issue make you appreciate your existing relationships more? Look for how the experience has shifted your perspective and write these down in a journal.
mindful empath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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Week 18:The Mindful Empath Almanac
I will start recording these voiceovers so they hit the podcast feed, I hope you enjoy them!! If you become a paid subscriber you will begin to receive longer audio meditations (8 per year). The next one is coming up soon!!mindfulempath.substack.com/subscribe
Quote:
“I dwell in possibility.” ~ Emily Dickinson
Reflection:
I have wrestled with, maybe not so much recently but often enough over the years, the Christian upbringing of my childhood and my more current Buddhist/Agnostic sensibilities.
Even as a former pastor/minister within the Baptist tradition I had a challenging time with the side effects of the faith. Shame being the primary issue. For one’s faith to be central, you had to carry a deep shame of the human experience. That never sat well with me. Honestly, this post is not about that…I may save that for a different week!
One of the other issues I had with how Christian faith seemed to cling to ideas and precepts that they felt were immutable and immovable. That is most definitely contradictory to one of the central themes to Buddhism, and that is that everything changes.
Everything.
For the Buddhist, change is not just a part of life, but is a part of the Buddha nature.
So as I was struggling with these two antithetical ideas I considered…if change is the only constant, wouldn't it be wise to accept it, to flow with it, to ride its wave wherever it may go? Wouldn’t it be prudent to be as Emily Dickinson suggests, to DWELL in possibility?
Buddhists believe, and I agree, that the number one reason for suffering is attachment...or the inability to accept and process change.
The only "thing", if we can describe it as such, that does not change is the I AM, which is consciousness itself.
This is the truth of the Judeo-Christian scriptures and tradition that has been lost and found many times throughout history. The stories that we read in the Bible, like many other religious stories before it and since, are giving us the same plot over and over again.
God "created" man to see itself.
God "became" man to show The Way of existence.
The whole aim of existence is participation.
This is the creator aspect still creating.
Growth is expected and should be celebrated, not condemned.
We move beyond the illusion and division that we see in the different tribal God's stories once we recognize that the true potency and power of these stories is through their lived and contextual meaning, regardless of the fact they lack literal truth.
We are missing, and dismissing, the whole point of humanity being co-laborers with God/Universe when we strip away their creative responsibility in crafting the story.
The act of creation IS divine, maybe the most divine "thing" we do, other than breathe. It is the I AM.
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today I choose to embrace the growth that comes with change. I will be open to new experiences and perspectives, and I will see challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve.
Meditation:
To listen to the following meditation in audio form, please play below.
Finding Flow in Change
Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Close your eyes gently, or soften your gaze if you prefer.
Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly and completely, exhaling fully.
Bring your attention to the present moment. Notice the sounds around you, the feeling of your breath, the sensations in your body.
Imagine yourself standing on the bank of a river. The water is flowing steadily, ever-changing, yet the river itself remains.
Think about the ways change flows through your life. Seasons change, relationships evolve, and even your own body is constantly renewing itself.
Notice any resistance you might have to change. Is it a fear of the unknown? A clinging to the familiar?
Now, picture yourself stepping into the river. Feel the cool water swirl around your legs. It may be unfamiliar at first, but trust that the current will carry you forward.
Change, like the river, can be a source of growth and transformation. It can lead you to new and exciting places.
Spend a few moments simply being in the flow of the river. Let go of any resistance and allow yourself to be carried by the current.
When you're ready, gently bring your awareness back to your breath and body.
Slowly open your eyes, taking with you the feeling of being open to change and the knowledge that growth lies within its flow.
Cultivation:
Rather than seeing change as something to fear, look at it with the following perspectives!
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See change as growth: Remind yourself that change is inevitable and often leads to personal development. Look for the opportunities for learning and improvement that change presents.
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Focus on the positive: Even amidst challenges, change can bring new experiences and possibilities. Actively seek out the positive aspects of the change.
Appreciation:
Take time to appreciate the good things in your life, even during times of change. Gratitude can help you feel more grounded and positive. With that said, be kind to yourself during times of change. Remember, everyone struggles with change sometimes.
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Welcome to the first of a series of 8 guided meditation+soundscapes that will correspond with the seasons. It is a good thing to notice the changes, and to understand how we can do so within our own emotional and mental landscapes.
I hope you enjoy this project!
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The desire and necessity for connection is at the heart of the empathic relationship, but not all relationships are the same.
In this episode we discuss the forms and characteristics of empathic relationships.
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We continue to discuss Growth vs Fixed mindset and specifically drill down into the temptation of certainty.
On our way we will talk about validation, synchronicities, and how we can balance these things as an empath.
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For a long long time the conventional wisdom in the scientific community was that, at some point in maturity, human adults were unable to generate new neurons and/or neural pathways. This is not the case!
Part 5 of the Mindful Empath series. We will continue on our journey of discovery on the intersection between mindfulness and the empathic imperative. This week we will be digging into the Growth Mindset and how it can help redefine how we learn from our emotions and experiences.
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What does it mean to have "beginner's mind" and how does that inform a discipline of mindfulness?
We will discuss this concept and how we can find it in some sources you might not expect!
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Emotions are instinctual and fundamental.
Feelings are the stories we tell ourselves about those emotions. they aren't always completely true.
In this session we will start our discussion on Mindfulness and begin laying down the foundation for its benefit to the empath.
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Week 1 of 8 - Empathy Matters!
In the first installment we will do a quick primer on all things empath/empathy.
We will discuss the neurobiological origin of this phenomenon and how it informs our social and spiritual life.
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I hope you'll forgive the Neil Diamond reference. I am a TRUE fan!
This week, after a long hiatus, I reintroduce myself and give some insight on some opportunities that will be coming up to get involved.
Over the years I've had to reinterpret what it means to be "called".
This is me, in short order, redefining my call and removing the religious trappings that come with it!
Please join the conversation.
You can get in touch with me at empathyand@gmail.com or the following sites:
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This week I am so honored to share a conversation that I had with Dr. Aaron Brown. Dr. Brown is a Psychiatrist and Pastor of a small progressive Christian Church outside of Dallas, Tx.
He has a passion for creating safe and accepting space for people on the margins...and that passion is infectious!
He recently preached a sermon entitled "Renewing the Mind, Your Racist Ass Amygdala".
Let's just say that caught my attention!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Brown regarding Implicit Bias and how we can counteract its racism.
Enjoy!
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Inspired by a FB post regarding how Meditation CAN work in a healthy, non spiritual bypassing way...I decided to give it my spin.
Here's an Empathy & Bonus Meditation about, well....meditation and healing.
I hope you enjoy it!
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Hey y'all...
I took a break from the manuscript process again today to tell you about my Mom.
She was a BEAUTIFUL soul who emulated empathy and service to others to me and everyone in her vicinity.
Maybe my story, her story, will resonate with you in some way.
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Are you taking care of yourself?
No, really...are you proactively taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health in a way that if tragedy or tribulation were to strike you'd be prepared?
In this episode I discuss what I feel is one of the better ways to understand the preventative nature of good self care.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt-2/
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In this episode we are going to talk a bit more about the call to adventure…and how curiosity is its bedrock. We will do so with the help of some friends. Well…. heroes of my own, to be more specific. Edison, Emerson, Angelou, Kerouac, O’Keeffe, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dr. Daniela Schiller Article
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/snakes-in-the-mri-machine/
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This is in response to a question on the FB page from my friend Ursula.
We talk about what it means to be grounded and present, how we can tune our empathy to discern our own emotions versus the emotions of others, and perhaps how we can open our eyes to the connectedness of humanity...rather than seeing our relationships as transactional.
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Distance does NOT have to mean isolation. I take a few minutes to talk about how to approach this current challenge with love and empathy.
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I'm baaaaaack....with a lovely Malbec and some updates!
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Sometimes you need to raise your hand, excuse yourself, and take a break.
That's what I'm doing here.
See you in March!
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Join me for an unscripted and unedited 15 minutes on the hard work of raising the collective energy around us...
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Hey y'all...
It's been a week...join me for an unscripted and unedited 15 minutes...
There's whiskey involved.
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Welcome to the New Year!!
I initially had intended for this episode to be a review of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker...but as I was reading and researching I felt that a discussion surrounding The Hero's Journey was more appropriate. In this episode I discuss the hallmark stages of the Journey by using three well known stories. This is an introduction to a 3 part series on using The Hero's Journey as a device for self exploration.
Enjoy!
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This is the final episode of 2019! Today we finish up our 4 week series on Advent. In this conclusion we wrap everything together with emergence. In emergence we find a framework of evolution and change that helps us understand what this time of the year is all about. And, as always, we discuss how empathy can be a powerful catalyst for this emergence.
"The power of empathy is not just evident in a changed and more noble interior life…it is in the revolution of love and care that will inevitably emerge from it."
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This is our 3rd of a 4 week discussion on Advent and change. We talk about Spiritual Bypassing and how it affects our ability to function in a healthy manner and experience true joy.
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This is our 2nd of a 4 week discussion on Advent and change. We talk winter solstice, spiral dynamics, and understanding faith as a verb. Enjoy!
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In what direction do we change? Does that seem like an odd question? Have you ever considered that we really just circle back to the same challenges in order to learn old lessons in new ways? I think you're right...and I also think that our intrinsic power of empathy can be the catalyst we need to enact change in our lives. This week we talk about this season of Advent...through the lens of Spiral Dynamics. Enjoy!
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What better time to talk about gratitude then Thanksgiving week! In this episode we talk about some of the benefits of living a life of gratitude and how to cultivate it in your own life.
Please join the conversation by visiting us!
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HeartCraft is an exploration of empathy through the arts. In every episode we will use music, poetry, prose, or audio drama to uncover deeper truths about empathy and connection. In this first episode I share a cover of the Brandi Carlile song, If There Was No You.
*when I see myself I’m seeing you too
as long as I remember and I'm feeling like I knew
that my jokes aren't funny the truth isn't true
if there was no you
if you were my boat in the deep blue sea
I probably sink you down
I know I should have thanked you for carrying me
but for you I will happily drown*
*All along your way the darkest night the longest day
I know what to say to make you laugh
and nothing you could do
could make me turn my back on you
when you're looking for a
fight I'm your man
when you need a friend
you got my hand*
*And what I really mean what I'm trying hard to say
is that I'm counting on you and you got me too
my secrets aren't safe I'm singing out of tune
if there was no you
if there was no you*
*All along your way darkest night the longest day
I know what to say to make you laugh
and nothing you could do
could make me turn my back on you
when you're looking for a
fight I'm your man
when you need a friend
you got my hand
when you need a friend
you got my hand you got my hand*
https://www.unmask.us/songwriters-c-e/brandi-carlile/
If you would like to contribute to the next episode of HeartCraft send me an email at empathyand@gmail.com
I look forward to collaborating and sharing my mic with you!
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Friendship is the proving ground of love. It is in these relationships where we spend an inordinate amount of time practicing our empathic skills and honest vulnerability. Join me for a quick episode of Empathy Alphabet to discuss!!
In this episode of Empathy Alphabet we discuss the power of loving friends!
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Empathy is not just a way to relate to people, but a form and avenue to knowledge. It is IMPOSSIBLE to fully commit yourself to a life of empathy and not be changed by what you learn. In this episode we discuss this with the help of work of Harper Lee and the words of Socrates.
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This is a new type of Empathy & episode...every once in a while I plan on sharing poems, songs, excerpts from books and authors that have been instrumental in my knowledge of empathy and spirit. I hope you enjoy this brief riff on an author whom I adore.
I have grown to love the work of John O'Donohue. He was an author, poet, priest, and keeper of Celtic Spirituality. His book Anam Cara has been fundamental to my understanding of how empathy interacts with the divine. In this episode I contemplate this beautiful prayer from his book To Bless The Space Between Us, "May I live this day compassionate of heart, clear in word, gracious in awareness, courageous in thought, generous in love."
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Empathy & offers up a new type of episode for your morning commute! Grab your coffee or tea and get on your way with the help from a meditation and mantra on the theme of Moving Forward. The fear and anxiety that we all face in the changing landscape of the road ahead can seem scary, but if we move forward in confidence, and towards wholeness and empathy, we will find the journey is worth it.
I hope you enjoy this short meditation and mantra to start your day.
Peace!
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In this episode I sit down with Fran Pratt, Worship and Liturgy Pastor at Peace of Christ Church in Round Rock, Texas. She's been creating liturgy and writing litanies for the last 3 years and recently published a book!! Call and Response: Litanies for Congregational Prayer is a wonderful resource for both corporate settings and personal meditation. You can support her work, and gain an invaluable resource, by going to her Patreon.
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What does it mean to encourage someone? How might our empathic superpower help us to do so? Join me for a quick episode of Empathy Alphabet to find out!
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In this episode I discuss how living a life of intention, rather than expectation, will help us come to a place where we might suffer less and empathize more and how we can cultivate healthy attachments with ourselves and others…along the way we will discuss how our egos are connected to expectations and how that might hinder our ability to connect with those around us.
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Detachment, or non-attachment, is a way of looking at life that allows us to minimize our suffering. In this episode I talk about the 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism and how learning about non-attachment has helped me in my endeavor to live more empathically.
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Rev. Preston Cox is a musician, ordained minister, life coach, marketer of a petting zoo, and a new author! His book, A Big Little Something, is a lovely meditation on lovingkindness. It is a children's book, and as such is an invaluable resource to teach our young ones love, kindness, and empathy. In this episode we discuss Preston's journey to becoming a Children's Author and how the concept of empathy has influenced him along the way. You can find his book on Amazon. Please consider buying a copy or two (you can always donate to your local Library)! Check out his website by clicking on the link in his name to see what else he is up to!
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It's been a while since we checked in on Empathy Alphabet!! Today we finally get around to C. C is for Connection. We talk about how we can consider ourselves, our family, our neighbors, and even people we've never met all around the world with a Lovingkindness meditation. You might even get a sneak peek at what's coming up in the next episode of Empathy &!
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We are back! I am rejuvenated, restored, and ready to go! I was recently asked to lead a Facebook Live Workshop on the theme of Empathy & The Empath...I share the audio here. I apologize for the subpar recording, but I think you'll really dig it. Some of it is refresher, but I add new twists. I hope you enjoy it! Don't forget the Patreon page! If you are interested in supporting this podcast you can do so for as little as $3 a month....easy, right?
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We are taking a break y'all! And by we I mean me and the family are going to chill for the next few weeks so I thought I'd take the month of July to refresh and re-energize. But there's NEWS!!! First, this podcast has broken the 1,000 download mark.....THANK YOU! I am so glad that this little podcast has made an impression, and I plan to continue soldiering on with the message of EMPATHY and LOVE! Second, I recently started a Patreon page and I discuss the different levels of investment in this episode. Thanks for listening and have a GREAT July!
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We've all had experiences of resonance with friends, partners, and spouses where we can finish each other's sandwiches....I mean, sentences. In close relationships we can get to a level where we are able to predict and know what the other is thinking and feeling. That's part of empathy, right? Well...sure. But we've all had the misfortune of being misunderstood and unheard. Sometimes we can take the mind reading too far. In this episode we uncover what's happening there, and how we might be able to figure out how to go about it in a better way!
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This is my conversation with Rev. Aurelia Davila Pratt. We talked about the contagious nature of empathy, the personal craft of preaching, and the divine nature in us all. You can find out more information about Aurelia and her congregation at www.peacewilco.com. We reference a sermon that she was writing at the time... you can find the audio of that sermon, “The Heart isn’t Deceitful”, at their website or here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-of-christ-sermons/id1445454837
NOTE: I am learning as I go along!! You might need to turn the volume up for the conversation after the introduction!
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This week we consider the science of listening and how we can harness the immense power of our brains to assist in engaging each other in empathy. How is it that we are so easily distracted during conversations, and what are some mindful techniques to slow ourselves down.
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I believe that we are all built with an instinctual ability to understand each other…across cultures, races, and genders….through the power of empathy. In this episode I continue to describe how this understanding fits into my identity as and empath. It's a combination of science and the esoteric. Come join in on the conversation at empathyand.com
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This episode was recorded the week before Easter 2019. In it we discuss a few of the Biblical references to the Jesus story and how empathy is plays out in the life of the Jewish Rabbi from Nazareth.
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I have been called sensitive my entire life. Over time I've come to understand that my sensitivities give me a different perspective on, and a heightened understanding of others emotions. I've had some really strange encounters, and the only way I can explain it is to call it what it is. I'm an empath. This is the first installment of many where I discuss what that means to me. Join in the conversation at www.empathyand.com
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What happens when our brains get flooded with stress hormones too much? Can we condition ourselves to primarily see danger? Is it possible to rewire our instinct, through mindfulness and meditation, to make our emotional response serve us properly...rather than drive us to anxiety? Today we discuss this as we learn of the story of Lou Williams, journeyman NBA player and McDonald's fan.
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This week I am contemplating the stories we tell ourselves and others…..and why we just might want to remove the word WHY out of our vocabulary. We also discuss the 4 myths of vulnerability popularized by Dr. Brené Brown in her book Daring Greatly.
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Relax, find a place to sit quietly for 10 minutes, and join Michael in a guided meditation along the beach.
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There is so much more to cover, so you get another round of Empathy & Emotions! We talk through the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and detachment as well as introduce meditation as a valuable tool in the work of empathy.
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In this episode we discuss bravery by listening to the story of Malala Yousafzai. How can we utilize our superpower of empathy to enhance our own bravery and magnify the bravery of those around us?
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This is a big one! We discuss the difference between emotions and feelings and how they correspond to the parts of the brain that inform empathy. I also give a perspective on how to minimize taking on others emotions as a possible side effect to empathy.
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We kick off our tour around the alphabet by discussing what it looks like when we are afraid, and how we can use our empathy with others when we see they need help.
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In this episode we define empathy and get in to what it means to be "hardwired" for it. We'll unravel the mystery of the empathic brain and discuss mirror neurons.
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Empathy is a superpower, and you have it! Join host Michael Scott Evans as he dives in to the worlds of neuroscience, biology, sociology, and spirituality to uncover the depths of our ability to connect to each other!
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