We know the speaker has received adequate empathy when a. we sense a release of tension, or b. the flow of words comes to a halt.

You're going to lose it when you follow the world "feel" with the words "because I think". Any time you are thinking, your chance of getting what you need is greatly decreased, especially when you follow the word "think" with the word "you". I predict you won't only not get heard, but I predict a defensive aggressive reaction.

Avoid 'shoulding' on others and yourself!

When you are in a jackal environment, never give them the power to submit or rebel. We want to teach this to children very early: Never lose track that you are always free to choose. Don't allow institutions to determine what you do.

Never hear what somebody thinks about you, you'll live longer. Hear that they're in pain. Don't hear their analysis.

What all the basic religions are saying is this: Don't do anything that isn't play.

The spirituality that we need to develop for social change is one that mobilizes us for social change.