Whether I praise or criticize someone's action, I imply that I am their judge, that I'm engaged in rating them or what they have done.

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

Avoid 'shoulding' on others and yourself!

Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. Instead of offering empathy, we often have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling. Empathy, however, calls upon us to empty our mind and listen to others with our whole being.

We are compassionate with ourselves when we are able to embrace all parts of ourselves and recognize the needs and values expressed by each part.

Getting in touch with unmet needs is important to the healing process.

When people hear needs, it provokes compassion.