In nonviolent communication, we practice empathy.
The practice is quite simple: we guess other people’s feelings and needs.
The simple practice doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always easy. There are prerequisites to participate in empathy practice – people need to have enough empathy capacity in themselves first to offer empathy guesses for others. When we don’t have enough empathy, we need to receive empathy support first, either from others or ourselves, through self-connection.
Effective empathy practice requires a non-judgmental state. When we notice that we judge what others share with us, we should stop and get support. Because offering empathy when we are not ready often creates disconnection and distrust. Despite our good intentions.
