When you ride the wave, the thrill is so exhilarating that you forget everything else. You live in the moment where nothing else matters, so intent on riding the wave perfectly that you and the wave become one. Pain and worry disappear, replaced by euphoria, akin to flow. Similarly, when giving empathy, you want to strive for this kind of total presence for the person you are listening to.

NVC is a reminder; to focus our attention where we are most likely to get our needs met.

When we hear the other person's feelings and needs, we recognize our common humanity.

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.

Empathize with silence by listening for the feelings and needs behind it.

When we understand the needs that motivate our own and others behavior, we have no enemies.

How I choose to look at any situation will greatly affect whether I have the power to change it or make matters worse.