Posts tagged empathy
The Art of Repair in Relationships
The Art of Repair in Relationships

In Japan, kintsugi is the art of mending of broken objects. Sometimes our relationships can feel broken. We make mistakes, we see things from different points of view, we disagree, our priorities shift, we drift apart. Every relationship encounters conflict. No relationship is perfect. The greatest marker of a healthy relationship is one that is able to repair effectively. Repair is the cornerstone of a secure relationship. Cultivating the capacity to recover from conflict helps us restore safety and trust. 

Like kintsugi, mending our relationships makes them resilient and whole again. When we invest in the art of repair, we end up with something that not only stands the test of time, but actually increases in value.

Using the acronym R.E.P.A.I.R, this article explores six basic principles to restore connection in your relationships.

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People and RelationshipsErin Masonrelationships, secure relationship, healthy relationships, repair, conflict, conflict resolution, restore, security, self-regulation, empathy, empowerment, compassion, receptivity, resilience, reconciliation, art, breakup, trust, communication, resolution, reciprocity, reflective listening, authenticity
Redefining Forgiveness and How to Heal Without It
Redefining Forgiveness and How to Heal Without It

“Forgiveness makes me feel weak and vulnerable.” We can be hurt in a plethora of ways, from overt abuse and injustice, to social infractions and insensitive oversights. The latin word for forgive is “perdonare,” which means “to give completely, without reservation.” This literal and limited definition seems to disregard context. Sometimes it is not possible to offer forgiveness to another person, either because they are no longer alive or accessible, or because it doesn’t feel safe or appropriate for us to do so. If we disqualified the term “forgiveness” from any given transgression, what would be our goal for resolving it? In prioritizing resolution instead of reconciliation, healing rather than pardoning, we may discover more clarity of our own experience.

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People and RelationshipsErin Masonavoidance, ambiguity, choices, conflict, decisions, defense mechanisms, emotion, empathy, fear, freedom, forgiveness, growth, grief, health, healthy choices, heartbreak, loss, letting go, peace, parasympathetic, release, resilience, safety, security, self-preservation, protective, threat, trust, survival, vulnerability, values, adversity, experience, healing
~~ Expanding Inside Out: Part 2 ~~ Why and How to Open
~~ Expanding Inside Out: Part 2 ~~ Why and How to Open

As we enter into the holidays, we may find ourselves challenged to be around people with whom we disagree. We seem to increasingly judge those who don’t think, believe, or vote like us, and lash out against one another based on vaccination status, political affiliation, and personal priorities. Life is not binary. It’s not as simple as good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, black vs. white, blue vs. red, you vs. me. Life is a continuum of experiences and perspectives. How can we challenge ourselves to imagine what it’s like to see through another person’s eyes? Empathy is the art of figuratively stepping into another person’s shoes, and imagine what it’s like to be them. The ability to imagine an experience outside of our own helps to connect us with compassion. Compassion is the bridge to our shared experiences and our common humanity. In this article, consider four questions to inspire an expanded perspective, an abundant mindset, and curious compassion…

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People and RelationshipsErin Masonadversity, authentic life, ambiguity, aspirations, connection, compassion, choices, empowerment, empathy, growth, gratitude, healthy relationships, hope, intention, letting go, liberate, opportunity, courage, paradox, practice, perspective, resilience, trust, transformation, vulnerability, strength, love, openness, expansion, curiosity, abundance, mindset, security, equanimity, values
~~ Expanding Inside Out: Part 1 ~~ When We're Closed
~~ Expanding Inside Out: Part 1 ~~ When We're Closed

As different as our modern life may be in comparison to the primitive threats to survival our ancient ancestors faced, we still encounter a plethora of real and perceived attacks—natural disasters, social and economic injustices, political rivalries, bullying in schools and social media, viruses run amok, and perhaps above all, vastly conflicting views on how to address those threats. When we feel threatened, we contract—physically, emotionally, and mentally. In this defensive position, we tend to operate from a place of fear, judgment toward others (or ourselves), and a need to protect or preserve what we have. What causes us to feel closed, cautious, and uncertain?

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People and RelationshipsErin Masonadversity, authenticity, ambiguity, awareness, defense mechanisms, protective, self-preservation, cancel culture, control, decisions, discovery, empowerment, expansion, covid, collaboration, curiosity, compassion, creative solutions, contraction, fear, resilience, perspective, perception, brain function, survival strategies, risk, threat, trauma, courage, connection, open minded, opportunity, empathy, experience, flexibility, forgiveness, growth, gratitude, health, inspiration, loss, liberate, trust, survival, transformation, negativity bias