We only feel dehumanized when we get trapped in the derogatory images of other people or thoughts of wrongness about ourselves.

Empathy: Emptying our mind and listening with our whole being

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

We need empathy to give empathy.

To be able to hear our own feelings and needs and to empathize with them can free us from depression.

If we become skilled in giving ourselves empathy, we often experience in just a few seconds a natural release of energy which then enables us to be present with the other person. If this fails to happen, however, we have a couple of other choices.

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