Self-Connect Using Empathy

This practice will give you a chance to pause and connect to what's going on for you in this moment. Relating to yourself in this way can deepen your self-compassion and bring clarity around what's important to you. It is based on self-empathy as defined by Marshall Rosenberg, creator of Nonviolent Communication.

Transcript

Hello fellow human and welcome to this self-connection practice.

And it's always a good time for self-connection.

It just brings you deeper into your being and into your experience.

So you're really connecting to what's going on for you.

And you're present to the experience and maybe getting some more clarity and understanding.

And yourself kind of has the sense that someone's paying attention to you and acknowledging you and that you matter.

So I think you'll find that it really,

Really is helpful and can bring clarity to situations and calm your system down.

So here we go.

First,

Take a moment to notice the sensations in your body.

What's going on?

Is there tension somewhere?

Maybe some pain or constriction?

Or some sort of aching or other sensation?

Just notice and let it be.

Maybe breathe into that area.

And then notice your feelings.

Can you identify some feelings that you're having?

Are you frustrated?

Nervous?

Anxious?

Annoyed?

Notice what feelings you might be having.

And now,

Try to identify what's underneath it all.

Like what is the thing that's important to you?

What are you maybe yearning for?

What's driving all of this reaction?

What unmet need is it?

Is it maybe a need for rest or security?

Safety?

Emotional safety?

Maybe for companionship or mutual support or being heard,

Being seen?

Maybe self-acceptance?

What is it that you're really,

Really wanting,

Needing right now?

Now,

Can you bring some compassion to your humanity?

Just this is a vulnerable human experience.

And can you bring compassion to that?

Maybe feel some warmth toward this human being who is going through this right now.

OK.

Well,

I hope that this exercise helped you connect more deeply with yourself and your experience.

Thanks for giving it a try.

Take good care of your precious self,

Fellow human.

Reviews

Very compassionate and warm teacher. Thank you for your offerings.

I love this check in. So calming and comforting in times of overwhelm.

Very helpful and comforting!🙏

A very gentle recording. It cheered me up at the beginning of this new day and new week. Thank you fellow human!

While the opening was not resonating with me, the main part of this practice did. I liked the helpful suggestions and the pauses. The latter gave a chance for self-inquiry and valuable insights. Wish they were a bit longer even. Overall, I felt supported during the guidance. I plan to return to this short yet effective practice of befriending yourself.

Namaste 🙏