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

Empathize, rather than put your "but" in the face of an angry person.

The number one rule of our training is empathy before education.

Your presence is the most precious gift you can give to another human being.

Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.

All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.

If you think ahead to what to say next - like how to fix it or make the person feel better - BOOM! Off the board. You're into the future. Empathy requires staying with the energy that's here right now. Not using any technique. Just being present. When I have really connected to this energy, it's like I wasn't there. I call this "watching the magic show". In this presence, a very precious energy works through us that can heal anything, and this relieves me from my "fix-it" tendencies.