Next Talking Circle @ TBD
~What Is Cultivating Empathy?~
Cultivating Empathy is a medicine for deep listening and conflict resolution Puma has been bringing forth over the last 13 years.
Our deepest needs as humans are for connection- to be seen, heard, touched- FELT. So often in life, when our needs are not met, we act in unkind, ungraceful and fearful ways. This is DISCORD.
Cultivating Empathy is a way of listening to one another with the intent of cultivating empathy and building connection. Often the simple act of deep listening and reflection can help calm and regulate an activated nervous system.
Most interpersonal conflicts escalate due to a lack of empathy and listening on one or both sides. Both sides want to be heard and yet, it takes one person to offer deep listening for the repair to begin.
The 5 step process for Cultivating Empathy is:
While these steps sound simple, it takes a lot of practice to undo the toxic communication habits we learned growing up. Just the simple act of listening fully without interruption can be a game changer for many of us:
We must learn to be brave, and let the heart lead us HOME.
Our deepest needs as humans are for connection- to be seen, heard, touched- FELT. So often in life, when our needs are not met, we act in unkind, ungraceful and fearful ways. This is DISCORD.
- When we feel invisible, it is easy to act without grace, kindness, or compassion.
- When we feel unheard, it is easy to raise our voices and use our words to harm.
- When we feel as though we don't matter, it is easy to self-harm or allow others to harm us.
Cultivating Empathy is a way of listening to one another with the intent of cultivating empathy and building connection. Often the simple act of deep listening and reflection can help calm and regulate an activated nervous system.
Most interpersonal conflicts escalate due to a lack of empathy and listening on one or both sides. Both sides want to be heard and yet, it takes one person to offer deep listening for the repair to begin.
The 5 step process for Cultivating Empathy is:
- Listening fully to what someone is sharing, without interruption
- Asking permission to repeat back what was heard
- Repeating back to the speaker what was heard
- Asking for clarity if what was heard is correct
- Cultivating empathy with what was shared
While these steps sound simple, it takes a lot of practice to undo the toxic communication habits we learned growing up. Just the simple act of listening fully without interruption can be a game changer for many of us:
- When we are truly listening to a person, we are not listening to reply or listening through the story about what is being shared in our head.
- When we ask permission of someone, we are saying we respect them and their boundaries.
- When we repeat back what we believe was said, we are validating that person's feelings and experience.
- When we confirm with someone that what was said is correct, we are showing we value their words and time.
- Most importantly, when we strive to imagine what it must be like in the experience of what that person is sharing with us, we realize that we are much more alike than different. We bridge the gap of separation and unify under the importance of a shared experience.
We must learn to be brave, and let the heart lead us HOME.
~Offerings~
- One-on-one sessions for singles, couples, and parents learning how to listen deeply and build loving secure attachments. These typically last 1-2 hours.
- Traditional talking circles with plant medicines, Mambé and Ambil. Mambé is an indigenous word for the ground coca leaf and Ambil is a paste made from Mapacho tobacco, an original tobacco varietal from the Amazon. Mambé embodies the feminine energy and Ambil embodies the masculine. Tobacco is often referred to as "Grandfather". When used together, these medicines work in synergy to open the throat and mind as a channel for the heart. This allows words and expression to flow from the heart for the greater good of all. These are group ceremonies held with the intention of healing, witnessing and connection as a community and tribe. Puma facilitates and guides the group through deep listening and care.
~Private Coaching Prices~
$100/hour for one person
$150/hour for a couple
$200/hour for groups of 3 or more
~Talking Circles~
Sliding scale, $22-$55 investment