Have you ever been surfing? Imagine you're on your surfboard now, waiting for the big one to come. Get ready to get carried with that energy. Now, here it comes. That's empathy. No words - just being with that energy. When I connect with what's alive in another person, I have feelings similar to when I'm surfing.
Marshall B. RosenbergUnderstanding the other persons' needs does not mean you have to give up on your own needs.
Marshall B. RosenbergThe most dangerous of all behaviors may consist of doing things 'because we're supposed to.
Marshall B. RosenbergAs soon as you say, "are you feeling X because I ..." Then the Jackal starts to salivate because he can educate the person that he's the cause of his pain.
Marshall B. RosenbergOften, instead of offering empathy, we have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling.
Marshall B. RosenbergIn empathy, you don't speak at all. You speak with the eyes. You speak with your body. If you say any words at all, it's because you are not sure you are with the person. So you may say some words. But the words are not empathy. Empathy is when the other person feels the connection with what's alive in you.
Marshall B. Rosenberg