Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson Ep. 36: How to Become More Empathic
Sep 17, 2018
Discover the vital role empathy plays in forming deep connections and intimacy. Explore the biological roots of empathy and learn how it develops from infancy. Dive into three key ways we express empathy, alongside practical techniques to cultivate it in everyday interactions. Hear about the importance of emotional joining over problem-solving and gain insights on maintaining humility in your empathic engagements. Finally, reflect on the paradox of feeling both unique and part of a shared humanity.
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Empathy Enables Deep Human Connection
- Empathy lets us imagine what it's like to be another person beyond just processing words.
- Rick Hanson says without empathic imagination human connection would be shallow and lonely.
Three Neural Bases Of Empathy
- Neural systems like mirror networks, insula, and prefrontal theory-of-mind support different empathy types.
- Rick Hanson links these brain structures to action, emotion, and perspective-taking capacities.
Train Your Body Awareness
- Strengthen empathy by training internal body awareness to build the insula.
- Rick Hanson notes studies show tuning into sensations increases ability to sense others' emotions.
