I was at odds with what another person shared in the learning group. We were not connecting for sure, I thought.
Disagreement created disconnection. And disagreement is quite common today because having a shared reality is a constant challenge even with people we are close to.
During our empathy support practice, a shift happened inside me. Supporting the person by guessing her feelings and needs without the requirement of agreeing or disagreeing with her allowed me to see who she truly was underneath our differences: a person just like me wanting to be seen, heard and understood. The odd feeling towards her disappeared. Peace and warmth returned between us.
This is what I have learned about empathy. It leads the way to connection even when connection seems impossible…
