Episode 18: Self-Empathy

Summary

In this conversation, Eddy Paul Thomas and Dani Sumner discuss the importance of empathy for oneself. They explore how empathy allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and others, and how it can lead to more compassionate and meaningful relationships. They also touch on the role of spirituality in maintaining empathy and the importance of being honest and vulnerable in relationships. In this conversation, Dani and Eddy Paul Thomas emphasize the role of vulnerability, accountability, and community in developing empathy. They also explore how empathy can be nurtured in relationships, including marriage and parenting. Dani shares insights from her work as a spiritual director and life transformation coach, highlighting the need to unlearn unhealthy rules and embrace self-compassion. They discuss the challenges of navigating overwhelming emotions and offer advice for cultivating self-empathy. The conversation concludes with a call for employers to embrace empathy in the workplace and for individuals to embark on a journey of self-empathy.

Takeaways

• Empathy for oneself is essential in order to have empathy for others.
• Understanding and accepting one's own flaws and struggles is a key part of developing self-empathy.
• Empathy allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and others, leading to more compassionate and meaningful relationships.
• Spirituality can play a role in maintaining empathy and providing a sense of grace and compassion for oneself.
• Being honest and vulnerable in relationships allows for open communication and the ability to support and empathize with one another. Empathy is essential for developing deep and meaningful connections with others.
• Cultivating self-empathy is a lifelong journey that requires patience and self-reflection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:40 The Power of Empathy
08:17 Understanding and Accepting Your Flaws
13:46 Empathy as a Path to Deeper Relationships
18:17 The Role of Spirituality in Maintaining Empathy
21:08 Honesty and Vulnerability in Relationships
36:07 The Power of Empathy and Vulnerability
39:07 Teaching Empathy to Children
46:26 Unlearning Unhealthy Rules and Embracing Self-Compassion
53:54 Navigating Overwhelming Emotions with Curiosity and Self-Compassion
58:14 Embracing Empathy in the Workplace
01:02:11 Embarking on a Journey of Self-Empathy

Learn more about the Unbroken Place Podcast at: www.eddypaulthomas.com/unbrokenplace

Discover the transformative power of empathy in both our personal lives and the workplace with the following resources:

• Ok...On Second Thought newsletter on Linkedin.
• Ok...On Second Thought articles.
• Ok...On Second Thought Resources for the Workplace.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Open Door" & "I Dare You" by Little Glass Men from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.