Empathy Circles – a Way to Connect
From: Cathy Holt
Asheville: “Have you ever wished someone would just listen instead of giving advice? Do you have anyone who really understands what you are feeling and reflects that back to you, without any judgment?” asks Cathy Holt, convener of Empathy Circles. “People are surprised at the depth of connection they feel after just a brief experience of giving and receiving empathy. So, bring a friend, or make a new one. ”
The November Empathy Circles event will be held on Friday, November 15, from 7 to 9pm at EarthFare (Westgate) in the Community Room. All are welcomed to this free event; no experience is necessary. There will be a brief introduction to some concepts and then sharing in small groups.
Holt defines empathy as “being fully present with another person, listening and reflecting back your best guess as to what he or she might be feeling and needing.” Trained by Marshall Rosenberg and other teachers of Non-Violent Communication, Holt offers classes for adults or children, coaching and mediations with her business, “HeartSpeak: Listening and Speaking from the Heart.” She also hosts practice groups. Her website is www.heartspeakpeace.com.
“Empathy can help people in conflict to re-connect,” says Holt. “I’ve seen couples break out of stuck patterns when even one partner makes the effort to understand the other’s needs, rather than reacting to conflict with defensiveness or distancing.”
For more information, please contact her at: cathyfholt@gmail.com.
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