Empathy Circles serves as a powerful tool for fostering empathy due to its structured approach, emphasis on deep listening, accessibility, and potential for lifelong practice. These elements collectively contribute to its role as a cornerstone of the empathy movement. 

Summit Description: Experienced practitioners delve into the essence of the Empathy Circle practice, elucidating its significance as the cornerstone and entry point of the Empathy Movement. The practice is based in mutual Active Listening. Speakers discuss; 

• Personal stories of using the practice?

• Why and how does the practice work? 

• Why is this the foundational practice of the Empathy Movement?

• What are the benefits and challenges? 

• Sharing deeper insights into the empathic way of being that is created.

• Derivatives built on the Empathy Circle practice.

• A reunion and reconnection of circle trainers, trainees, facilitators, practitioners and supporters. 

• What are ideas and potentials for the future?

• and more! 

Join us in this community of practice. 

Join the Series

• Saturday, November 2, 2024

• Saturday, January 4, 2025 

• Saturday, April 5, 2025

Register Now

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024

Time: 9 am PT to 12:30 pm PT  - World Times

Location: Zoom https://zoom.us/j/9896109339  
RECORDING:   Part of the event will be recorded and posted to social media for educational and promotional purposes. You have an option of being in a non recorded breakout group. 

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Full Recording: Exploring Empathy Circles:
The Foundational Practice of the Empathy Movement

Video Timecode

Host: Ruth Cook

00:00 -  Introduction (10 min) 

04:00 - Edwin Rutsch - The history of the Empathy Circles development.

26:25 - Rasha Kutty - Three Years of Weekly Empathy Circles - Reflections and Learnings 

37:27 - Lou Zweier - Why the deceptively simple structure of the Empathy Circle is so effective

47:27 - Janna Weiss -  Building Empathic Community: An Empathy Circle Superpower 

57:22  Host: Cara Jean Wilson

58:10 - Speaker: Anita Nowak -  Empathic Listening for Inner Development and Outer Impact

1:07:43  - Speaker: Maria Ross  - What role can empathy circles play in a corporate environment? 

1:17:30 - Bill Filler - You can’t understand the Empathy circle unless you experience it

1:26:10 - Rob Volpe - The Importance of Listening in the 5 Steps to Empathy 

1:37:01 - Bob Brown - Why Empathy Circles Are So Effective 

1:42:46 - Annette Dubreuil - Adding Focusing to Empathy Circles

1:54:35  - Empathy Circle  Introduction Host: Janna Weiss

2:02:28 - Empathy Circle: Facilitated by Edwin Rutsch

2:59:23 - Debrief: Janna Weiss

3:22:26  - Closing  Edwin Rutsch

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HOSTING TEAM AND SPEAKERS 

Program: Saturday, November 2, 2024

All times are Pacific Time

9:00 am PT  Introduction (10 min)

Host: Ruth Cook

The History of the Empathy Circles Development.

9:10 Speaker: Edwin Rutsch (20 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Three Years of Weekly Empathy Circles - Reflections and Learnings.
9:30 Speaker: Rasha Kutty (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Why the Deceptively Simple Structure of the Empathy Circle is So Effective.
9:40  Speaker:  Lou Zweier (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Building Empathic Community: An Empathy Circle Superpower 

9:50  Speaker: Janna Weiss - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

10:00 am PT 

Host: Cara Jean Wilson

Empathic Listening for Inner Development and Outer Impact

10:00 am Speaker: Anita Nowak  (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

What Role Can Empathy Circles Play in a Corporate Environment?
10:10 am Speaker: Maria Ross   (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

You Can’t Understand the Empathy Circle Unless You Experience it.
10:20 Speaker: Bill Filler (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

The Importance of Listening in the 5 Steps to Empathy
10:30 am Speaker: Rob Volpe  (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Why Empathy Circles Are So Effective
10:40 am Speaker: Bob Brown   (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

Adding Focusing to Empathy Circles
10:50 am Speaker: Annette Dubreuil  (10 min) - To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

11 am PT:  Empathy Circle - 90 min

Empathy Circle Host: Janna Weiss

A 90 min participatory dialogue using the Empathy Circle process.

How to Empathy Circle   (10 min) 

Empathy Circle (1:00 hr)  

Debrief (15 min)  

Next Steps: (2 min) Edwin Rutsch

Closing

> fill out the Empathy Summit Feedback Form
https://bit.ly/SummitNov2Feedback

> See The Empathy Center website for updates
https://TheEmpathyCenter.org 

> Next Empathy Summit  is January 4:  
https://www.empathysummit.com/dates/Nov-2-2024-Empathy-Circles

> See Schedule for Empathy Circles Worldwide 
https://www.empathycircle.com/schedule 

Empathy Summit: Links

Website:    http://EmpathySummit.com
Date:                  https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/Nov-2-2024-Empathy-Circles
World Times:                           https://bit.ly/ESNov2Times 
Registration:     https://bit.ly/SummitRegNov2
Partners:   http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors
Volunteers:              http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers
LinkedIn Event:     https://Linkedin.com/events/7202537801140113408
Facebook Event:            https://FaceBook.com/events/1002802594777326/
Feedback:         https://bit.ly/3yJ545U
Final Report:    https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/Nov-2-2024-Empathy-Circles

Empathy Summit Debrief Summary
2:59:23 - Debrief Host Janna Weiss

The Empathy Summit debrief highlighted the positive experiences of participants in the empathy circles. Attendees shared their gratitude and insights, emphasizing the depth of connection and shared experiences. Key themes included 

• the value of empathy in workplaces,

•  the resonance of shared feelings, 

• and the importance of listening and being heard. 

Newcomers to empathy circles expressed appreciation for the learning and personal growth. The summit underscored the potential of empathy circles in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and fostering a more empathetic society. Edwin Rutsch emphasized the need for continued efforts to build a more empathic culture.

Based on the context provided, here are some key learnings and insights from the Empathy Summit that can be applied to future events:

1. The power of the empathy circle process:
   Participants expressed how meaningful and impactful the empathy circle experience was, with many noting the depth of connection and understanding that was reached in a short amount of time. This highlights the value of incorporating empathy circles into future events.
   
   

2. Fostering a sense of community and shared purpose:
   The context mentions the importance of the "community" aspect and "working together on a project" in a "constructive, innovative, and creative" way. Maintaining this collaborative spirit and sense of shared purpose can be beneficial for future events.
   
   

3. Expanding the reach and integration of empathy practices:
   Several participants expressed a desire to see empathy circles and empathy-based approaches integrated into settings like schools, businesses, and governments. Exploring ways to further promote and mainstream these practices could be a key focus.
   
   

4. Continuing to build an empathic culture:
   Edwin Rutsch emphasizes the larger vision of "transforming society to be more mutually empathic" and using empathy as a "core, gateway value" for this transformation. Maintaining this overarching goal and finding ways to further this cultural shift can guide future event planning.
   
   

5. Leveraging the expertise and passion of the community:
   The context highlights the valuable contributions and insights shared by the diverse participants, from long-time practitioners to newcomers. Tapping into the knowledge and enthusiasm of this community can strengthen future Empathy Summit events.

Empathy Summit Debrief Outline

Speaker 2  1:01  

Okay, so welcome back. Thank you for staying for this empathy circle part it is, I think, as wonderful as the presentations are the very best part of the empathy Summit, and we'd love to hear about your experience in the empathy circles. So please share, take 30 seconds. How was your experience in the empathy circle? And let me see there are 25 of us here. So if it's alright, I'll call on you. Is that alright? Yeah, let me change my view so I can see everyone.

Annette Dubreuil  2:18  

So lovely to be here today. Great to hear how focusing, sorry. Empathy circles are coming into workplaces. That was really exciting to hear, and I look forward to learning more about that work. And my experience in the empathy circle was great. We got we had a lot of resonance of similar shared experiences. And it was we had a couple themes, and we were talking a bit, quite a bit, about why one might be tired with this work, and that was really interesting. So thank you.

Ingrid Hirtz  3:06  
Yes, I'm super excited to see Maria Theresa here, and also Janet. It's really great. I love those. And Jesse. Love to see you here too. There was in the circle, there was in a short time, really, some great depth that we reached. And this was quite touching. And that's it. Thank you.

Speaker 4  3:47  
Thank you. I'm so happy in this summit. The first time I attend this empathy summit, I had so much to learn from everybody. Thank you all for sharing and answered a lot of question I have on this empathy circle, and I learned the rich history of empathy circle, and I'm really encouraged in this past the learning. It's still learning curve for me, and I'm so grateful for everybody's participation and supporting. Thank you all.

Speaker 5  4:32  

Oh, yes, I thought it was very valuable to hear everybody and then to have the opportunity to express myself so enriching and very worthwhile to get the different viewpoints people and yet realize how much we have in common that we're really not that different. So thank you and bless you for. Putting this vent on. Appreciate it.

Speaker 7  5:36  

it is my first time in an empathy circle. So I learned a lot as to how to, you know, go through the different roles. And appreciated all the participants in my group very much. And also, you know, I'm also very thankful for just this experience and all of everyone who's putting this on and look forward to, you know, looking more into this, into the future. So all the different ways that all the speakers are using the tools I love that and just have a great hope for how this can impact humanity, which we really need it right now.

Speaker 8  6:33  

This is a learning experience. I there's some incredible people there i i wish they were in my circle of life, right where I am now, but, but thank you for sharing.

Speaker 9  7:01  

I feel just filled with gratitude that this is still going on. I'm so grateful to you, Edwin and the whole team. Yeah, I'm a bit I'm an NBC practitioner for many, many years, since the early 90s, and so this is just right up my alley, very parallel to my my deepest values. And so I'm thrilled to, once in a while, be able to be a part, and I'd like to hopefully get more involved and be more of a part. Thank you to everybody. You're all remarkable people. To me. Thank you.

Speaker 10  7:43  

A tremendous amount of gratitude. I'm a disciple of NVC, of nonviolent communication. Have always been in thrall with the process, and this seems like a logical avenue to continue the growth in that area and so very grateful to Ingrid, who sent me the email and invited me and all the wonderful work she and Daniel have been doing, and just very grateful and hopefully and eager to learn more and a lot of hope, a lot of hope. So thank you.

Speaker 11  8:26  

Oh so much gratitude to this and everyone here just we are the change. You know, if we tell two friends, and they tell two friends, pretty soon, everybody will be able to preach or experience this sort of change within ourselves and within each other. So thank you, Edwin for the empathy circles, and look forward to doing more.

Speaker 12  9:08  

Well, thank you for unmuting me. I'm very grateful too, because I trained with Edwin way back and then participated for some time with the extinction rebellion empathy circles. But I think they stopped for a while, and this is my first one. And again, I'm always filled with dread that I won't get things right when I've got I'm on the spectrum and ADHD, so listening is one of my biggest fears. Oh gosh, thank you. Co host Cara Jean, so you probably understand how it is. It's really hard, especially when people start talking about quantum physics. It's really blinking, really hard. Oh, God. Anyway, it was nice to meet some other humans. And no seriously, who being human, being human for. Me is having compassion, and there's so little of it in the world. And thank heavens for these kind of circles. Thank

Speaker 13  10:23  

yes, here we are. Yes, I am a lot more relaxed than I was a few hours ago. I was great to speak to Jonathan again, and to me Tara, and to be able to interact with people that actually listen.

Speaker 14  11:05  

thank you very much. This is my second time, and I feel like having knowledge I need and and I feel listened and even listening to other. Thank you very much.

Speaker 15  11:47  

again, deep appreciation and gratitude, and I will go back and listen to the parts I missed the first hour. But this always brings it back to my own self, honesty and the need, not only for compassion for self and others, with empathy, but also courage to change. I feel that, or it's not even feeling this mirrors this work, mirrors my my patterns of relinquishing control and also being open to something that takes a lot of courage in terms of trust when there is a power imbalance. So it starts with empathy, absolutely and hearing others and being heard.

But there's another step that I'm seeing. It takes a bit of courage, and that's a mystery about the next piece of it, when things don't change in our culture or with people who have more power. So I appreciate the practice immensely and just pondering on the next stage of it. Thank you.

Speaker 16  13:17  
so Wow, I shared in my circle, Edwin, that I haven't been in one of these circles in, I don't know, 10 or more years, and so grateful to you and this community for continuing to do this in the world that we so need it. This was a really rich experience for me to be in a pure empathy circle, because I've been doing NVC for like, 20 years, and I kept making guesses instead of just reflecting. And I love this practice. I love it. We so need this, and I'm so grateful. Thank you so much to my group, to the circle, to all of you.

Speaker 17  14:30  

Okay, sorry, I couldn't do it technically. Yeah. Thank you for creating these empathy circles, and it has been a wonderful experience also to be at this summit, and also, thanks to all the participants, especially in our empathy circles. Circle, we were blessed to have two musicians, and we also shared that music is a great way to feel interconnectedness and also a way of empathy somehow because it bridges people.

Speaker 13  15:10  

I really enjoyed the small circle I was in, and I feel that it was a refreshing, you know, change of pace to be heard by people that actually intend to listen.

Daniel Hirtz  15:47  

Okay, this I really enjoyed the connection. And what I continuously like, what I enjoy so much is that we can connect with each other so quickly. I don't know you, but, and yet, I feel so connected to you. And this gives me tremendous hope. You know, I feel like all of us, all of humanity, just needs to turn into that, and we'll be good, you know, okay, if we, if we can unleash that empathetic wave.

Speaker 18  16:33  

hi, thanks very much. Jenna, yeah, I want to thank everybody in the the empathy circle that we had. I was in the circle with Danielle, Daniel playing the drums, and Craig, who is also a musician, and showed his music piece. Thank you for your patience, everybody. Yeah, I really look forward to joining you all again in this process. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Speaker 19  17:24  
I really want to thank Kara for having me here. I really feel seen and heard, and is just really a great experience to be a part of. And I learned so much more about empathy, and this should be really taught around the world in schools, businesses and governments and things. So I really appreciate this. Thank you.

Speaker 20  17:55  

an amazing gathering of people, everyone focusing as hard as possible to listen, I want to thank Edwin for his and just endless work To keep the movement going, and Eugenia and of course, Bill is hilarious. I'm just gonna let other people talk.

Speaker 8  18:55  

So just want to extend my gratitude to Edwin for this amazing process that has been has changed my life for the better. I enjoyed our our circle Today, and every opportunity I have, me present in an empathy circle, I too, hope that schools empathy circles become part of the curriculum in schools so that children can learn to hear, really hear what's being said, and not be reactive and respond. I think it could save lives, and I really would like to see more circles everywhere, globally, so I'm certainly promoting them so, and I look forward to our next summit. Thank you.

Jonathan Gordon  20:02  

well, thank you. Well, we had a lovely empathy circle, and my two participants I was hosting just resonated. They were sharing their frustration with modernity, actually, with politics, and I just felt like it was just, I'm not alone because I've it was just so lovely knowing that other people kind of feel the frustration I feel, and I'll just leave it at that. Thank you.

Bill Filler  20:51  

Sure, I just appreciate everybody being here and, you know, taking the initiative to, you know, engage in empathy and and also spread it. It's a great a great medicine compared to what I'm getting on media. Thank you.

Unknown Speaker  21:30  

okay, I finally got unmuted there. Yeah, it was a wonderful circle. I really like what Jeanette was saying about there's always a learning process, and there's always room for growth. And this concept of being in a circle and the process being simple, and it's a place where you're not going to be judged for what you say anyway,

Speaker 21  22:14  

you're just going to be heard. Is such a phenomenon that really can't be found anywhere else on this planet, and that's the potential, I think, for peace building to remember that we need to apply these lessons outside the circle to really Make the impact. So thank you very much to everyone who worked hard to put this together. Much gratitude to Edwin for his brilliance and keeping this simple. I do think that's the beauty of it. Thank you.

Speaker 1  23:13  

So I went right as I went to go get coffee. I would say gratitude. I already think I said that, but I would say it again. So much gratitude for everyone who spoke, for everyone who made this happen, specifically to Jonathan for making everything look so seamless, like we all have this together so well, and Edwin for creating this space and this process with your team of experts, Bill and Lou and everyone else who's gotten to be involved in this. I use it every single day in my personal coaching practice, I train it at all of my COVID events, because I think that it's that it's that simple thing, that it just allows us to human better, and as a neuro, spicy person myself more human, more better, more better my life. Thanks so much.

Speaker 2  23:58  

Thank you. Kara, so I'll say something, and then I'll turn it over to Edwin, and then you can share how it was for you. Is that sound? Okay? Edwin, so, yeah. So we had a beautiful empathy circle, and thank you for coming. We had three people who were brand new to an empathy circle, and and Jeanette was in my circle. And it was quite moving. Thank you. And as for the future, I I feel, I believe, that we haven't even begun to tap the potential of this community in this practice for problem solving and for conflict resolution. So that's kind of so with that kind of view to the future. Thank you all very much for this opportunity, and I'm very honored and very happy to be with everyone. Thank you. Go ahead. Edwin, okay,

Edwin Rutsch  24:49  

thanks. Okay. I want to thank the speakers and the volunteers and the participants for taking part and working to. To build this empathic culture, where we've talked about the empathy circle, but it's only a gateway practice to a larger vision of transforming society to be more mutually empathic, and that just means for people to listen to each other, work out their differences, collaborate together to just to create more well being and flourishing for humanity. And for me, it seems that empathy is sort of the core, the gateway value for that and that mutuality too, and I love in our circle, the shared working together on our project. You know, having that community, but working towards something in a constructive and innovative and creative and connecting direction. So with that, we're kind of coming to the close, and I'm going to post into the chat. Maybe we already posted it. Let me see.

Summary

The Empathy Summit focused on the effectiveness and impact of empathy circles. Participants shared their experiences, highlighting the simplicity and power of empathy circles in fostering personal connection and community. One speaker noted the circles' role in simplifying life and enhancing enjoyment. Another emphasized the potential for empathy circles to transform society, despite the small participant numbers. Concerns about exhaustion after empathy circles were discussed, with suggestions that the release of pent-up emotions might contribute to this. The conversation also touched on the importance of understanding and following others' perspectives to maintain focus and avoid fatigue.

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/T-W-fx-2GWgCLcVICT2AVMiMFoo?view=transcript

Action Items

• 1. 1. [ ] Explore the possibility of bringing empathy circles into the workplace.

     2. [ ] Look into whether a book titled "The Tao of Empathy" has been written.

Outline

Empathy Circle Workshop Introduction

• 1. 1. Edwin Rutsch introduces himself as the facilitator and timekeeper, explaining the three-minute turn format for speakers.

     2. The topic for discussion is the participants' takeaways from the workshop, with Edwin being the first listener.

     3. Speaker 2 expresses happiness about attending the summit and having many questions about empathy circles answered.

     4. Speaker 2 appreciates the simplicity and effectiveness of empathy circles, noting their role in helping connect with oneself and others.

Personal Impact of Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Speaker 2 shares that empathy circles have made their life simpler and more enjoyable, guiding them to follow their heart.

     2. Edwin Rutsch acknowledges the simplicity and power of empathy circles in helping participants connect with themselves and others.

     3. Speaker 2 aims to simplify their life while enjoying it to the fullest, attributing this goal to their empathy circle practice.

     4. Edwin Rutsch and Speaker 2 discuss the fulfillment and community feeling that comes from participating in empathy circles.

Community and Hope in Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Edwin Rutsch expresses fulfillment in sharing the history of empathy circles and the hope they bring for societal transformation.

     2. Speaker 3 feels hopeful about the potential of empathy circles to benefit the world, even if it's one person at a time.

     3. Edwin Rutsch and Speaker 3 discuss the desire for larger participation in empathy circles and the sense of community felt among participants.

     4. The conversation highlights the importance of working together towards a common goal and the fulfillment that comes from practical collaboration.

Bringing Empathy to the Workplace

• 1. 1. Annette Dubreuil, as a listener, shares her interest in bringing empathy circles to the workplace.

     2. Speaker 3 reflects on the idea of weaponizing empathy and the importance of building community through empathy circles.

     3. Annette Dubreuil appreciates the potential of empathy circles to bring people together who don't normally interact.

     4. The discussion touches on the benefits of slowing down and reflecting during empathy circles, leading to a better understanding of one's own and others' hearts.

Challenges and Benefits of Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Annette Dubreuil is curious about why some people feel exhausted after empathy circles and how this relates to her teaching experience.

     2. Speaker 5 suggests that the release of pent-up emotions might cause exhaustion, not just the listening process.

     3. The conversation explores the idea that empathy circles can be therapeutic and help participants process their emotions.

     4. Edwin Rutsch and Annette Dubreuil discuss the importance of sharing feelings to release tension and find energy.

Universal Laws and Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Jesse reflects on the joy and fulfillment of being part of empathy circles and the hope they bring for societal transformation.

     2. Speaker 2 feels honored to be part of the summit and validated in their empathy circle practice.

     3. The conversation touches on the idea that empathy circles align with universal laws, making them effective and fulfilling.

     4. Speaker 2 and Speaker 5 discuss the importance of sharing feelings to release tension and find energy.

Fractals and Growth of Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Annette Dubreuil resonates with the idea of fractals and the potential for empathy circles to grow and impact more people.

     2. Edwin Rutsch and Annette Dubreuil discuss the importance of going slow and working out the kinks in empathy circles to ensure they are effective when they grow.

     3. The conversation highlights the potential for empathy circles to have a significant impact on society if they are carefully developed and implemented.

     4. Speaker 2 and Speaker 5 discuss the importance of sharing feelings to release tension and find energy.

Personal Reflections and Anxiety in Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Edwin Rutsch shares his experience of feeling anxious when his mind goes blank during empathy circles.

     2. Annette Dubreuil, using focusing techniques, helps Edwin explore the roots of his anxiety and the connection to his past fear of public speaking.

     3. The conversation emphasizes the importance of naming and sharing feelings to release anxiety and stay present.

     4. Edwin Rutsch and Annette Dubreuil discuss the benefits of focusing on feelings and the importance of sharing them to find energy.

Understanding and Connection in Empathy Circles

• 1. 1. Jesse and Annette Dubreuil discuss the importance of understanding and following the logic of others' thoughts during empathy circles.

     2. Speaker 2 reflects on the challenge of staying present and focused when others' thoughts are disoriented.

     3. The conversation highlights the importance of finding common ground and building connections through empathy circles.

     4. Annette Dubreuil shares her experience of feeling unsafe and lost when she can't follow others' thoughts, emphasizing the need for understanding and connection.

Closing Remarks and Gratitude

• 1. 1. Edwin Rutsch thanks everyone for their participation and contributions to the empathy summit.

     2. Participants express gratitude for the quality of the summit and the fulfillment they felt from sharing their experiences.

     3. The conversation ends with a sense of hope and excitement for the future of empathy circles and their potential to transform society.

     4. Participants express their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with others and share their thoughts and feelings.

What are your top takeaways from the presentations about Exploring Empathy Circles: The Foundational Practice of the Empathy Movement? Or whatever is on your mind.
Empathy Circle 2 Facilitated by Ruth

The Empathy Summit session on November 2nd, 2024, focused on exploring empathy circles. Participants shared their experiences and perspectives on empathy.

•  Daniel Hirtz emphasized the importance of deep, meditative listening in empathy. 

• Craig highlighted the need for cultural respect and understanding

• . Mohammed Andrew discussed the significance of empathy in understanding feelings and the role of active listening.

•  Maria reflected on the challenges of truly listening and the impact of cultural hierarchies. 

• Daniel Hirtz and others stressed the natural, fundamental nature of empathy and music's role in fostering connection. The session concluded with a shared sense of oneness and the potential of empathy to heal and unite.

Outline

Empathy Circle Introduction and Initial Setup

• Speaker 3 initiates the meeting, confirming the recording and welcoming everyone.

• Daniel Hirtz shares his background, mentioning he was teaching a class while multitasking.

• Daniel Hirtz discusses his interest in the tabla, an Indian percussion instrument, and his journey to learn it despite initial challenges.

• Speaker 2 expresses interest in sharing an inspired song they wrote over the summer.

• Speaker 3 asks participants to raise their hands if they have never attended an empathy circle before and confirms the number of participants.

Empathy Circle Guidelines and First Speaker

• Daniel Hirtz suggests everyone unmute themselves for better interaction and to make the experience more engaging.

• Speaker 3 outlines the topic for the empathy circle: "What are your top takeaways from the presentations about exploring empathy circles?"

• Daniel Hirtz shares his view on empathy, describing it as a precious and cloud-like concept that he hasn't fully defined.

• Daniel Hirtz emphasizes the core practice of empathy as giving oneself completely to another person in listening.

• Speaker 3 reflects on Daniel's points, summarizing his meditation practice and its connection to empathy.

Craig's Experience with Empathy Circles

• Speaker 3 asks Craig if he has participated in an empathy circle before, and Craig confirms he has.

• Craig shares his positive experience with the presentations and the importance of empathy.

• Speaker 3 pauses the conversation due to technical difficulties and resumes after fixing the issue.

• Speaker 3 begins a structured reflection exercise with Craig, asking him to repeat what she says without adding personal views.

• Craig reflects on the different perspectives on empathy and the importance of understanding diverse experiences.

Daniel Hirtz on Empathy and Meditation

• Daniel Hirtz shares his daily meditation practice and its connection to empathy.

• Daniel Hirtz describes meditation as accepting everything as it is, including thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

• Speaker 3 reflects on Daniel's points, noting the similarities between meditation and empathetic listening.

• Daniel Hirtz emphasizes the importance of deep attentiveness in both meditation and empathy.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Daniel's feelings of being fully heard and prepares to switch roles.

Maria's Reflections on Empathy and Cultural Hierarchies

• Maria shares her thoughts on the difficulty of truly listening to understand, inspired by the presentations.

• Maria reflects on the cultural hierarchies that often lead to obedience rather than understanding.

• Speaker 3 and Maria discuss the differences between listening to an authoritarian figure and practicing empathy.

• Maria emphasizes the importance of training in empathetic listening to overcome cultural barriers.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Maria's insights and prepares to switch roles again.

Mohammed Andrew on Empathy and Understanding Feelings

• Mohammed Andrew shares his favorite definition of empathy as the ability to understand someone's feelings.

• Mohammed Andrew reflects on the importance of listening and understanding in empathy circles.

• Speaker 3 and Mohammed Andrew discuss the roles of speaker, listener, and facilitator in empathy circles.

• Mohammed Andrew emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of understanding feelings through communication.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Mohammed Andrew's feelings of being listened to and prepares to switch roles.

Daniel Hirtz on Empathy and Oneness

• Daniel Hirtz shares his belief in oneness and wholeness as the core of empathetic connection.

• Daniel Hirtz describes empathy as a natural superpower from nature, not a human construct.

• Speaker 3 and Daniel Hirtz discuss the importance of seeing each other as part of a larger whole.

• Daniel Hirtz emphasizes the role of music and breath in empathy, comparing it to the connection with nature.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Daniel's feelings of being fully heard and prepares to switch roles.

Maria's Reflections on Empathy and Active Listening

• Maria shares her thoughts on the importance of active listening in empathy.

• Maria reflects on the challenges of truly understanding others in a cultural context.

• Speaker 3 and Maria discuss the differences between listening to an authoritarian figure and practicing empathy.

• Maria emphasizes the importance of training in empathetic listening to overcome cultural barriers.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Maria's insights and prepares to switch roles again.

Mohammed Andrew on Empathy and Cultural Respect

• Mohammed Andrew shares his thoughts on the importance of respect and understanding in empathy.

• Mohammed Andrew reflects on the need for relationships between people and nature.

• Speaker 3 and Mohammed Andrew discuss the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of empathy.

• Mohammed Andrew emphasizes the role of respect and understanding in building a better world.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Mohammed Andrew's feelings of being listened to and prepares to switch roles.

Daniel Hirtz on Empathy and Music

• Daniel Hirtz shares his belief in the power of music to connect people and heal.

• Daniel Hirtz discusses the fundamental nature of music and its role in human connection.

• Speaker 3 and Daniel Hirtz discuss the importance of music and food in bringing people together.

• Daniel Hirtz emphasizes the role of music in healing and connecting people, especially in difficult times.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Daniel's feelings of being fully heard and prepares to switch roles.

Craig's Reflections on Empathy and Connection

• Craig shares his thoughts on the importance of connection and empathy in today's world.

• Craig reflects on the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for respect and understanding.

• Speaker 3 and Craig discuss the importance of empathy in building a better world.

• Craig emphasizes the role of respect and understanding in building a better world.

• Speaker 3 acknowledges Craig's insights and prepares to switch roles.

Final Reflections and Closing Remarks

• Speaker 3 and the participants reflect on the importance of empathy and connection.

• The participants share their final thoughts on the importance of empathy and connection in their lives.

• Speaker 3 thanks everyone for their participation and contributions to the empathy circle.

• The participants express their gratitude and appreciation for the experience.

• The meeting concludes with a sense of unity and understanding among the participants.

FEEDBACK

Why are you interested in taking part in this Empathy Summit? 

1. Participating in the Empathy Summit will enhance my communication skills, emotional intelligence, and network with like-minded individuals committed to fostering a compassionate society.

2. I believe 'listening' is the link to healthy relationships

3. We are on a journey to facilitate empathy with the natural world through AI simulations of natural entities and would love to learn more and share more with the community

4. Professional development

5. To learn and grow

6. Doing a course from University of Empathy

7. Learn more about Empathy and use it in Africa

8. To grow in the understanding of Empathy

9. I believe in the building a culture of empathy movement.

10. Positive past experience of participating in Empathy Circles at previous Empathy Summits.

11. 
    

12. Seeking to learn/ improve understanding/listening skills for Life Coaching

13. Speaking!

14. I am producing an empathy documentary and want to take advantage of educational opportunities with experts to learn more about empathy. I am also very interested in the empathy movement and actively incorporate active listening into my daily life, as well as participate in & facilitate empathy circles at the Empathy Center.

15. I'm a civil servant provider and a sensitive human still seeking to evolve

16. Interested in how empathy can play a role in leadership

17. therapist, meditation

18. Continuing education and awareness

19. My work as a coach and consultant relies on my ability to listen with my heart and head, mirror, and ask powerful questions. In addition, I facilitate conversations in large and small groups. I am always looking for ways to add to my knowledge base in order to best serve those I work with.

20. I practice Buddhism and find this very compatible with our philosophy of deep listening

21. I'm connected to Rusha and participated in Tuesday meetings (I will be back)

22. I was involved with Edwin's Empathy Circles several years ago and I am curious to see how far it has come.

23. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joris-vierendeels-53a0a337/

24. I love empathy circles, especially those on the 16 guidelines by Janna, Ruth and Larry

25. I want to learn and apply it in Rwanda and Africa  

26. I work in social-emotional education and am running a conference next summer on rehumanizing schools. I’d love to hear what all of you are doing!

27. Nature wholeheartedness

28. Curious, coming from Focusing

29. I am dedicated to this work and to fostering civil dialogue among human beings. I believe that empathy is the way out of confining spaces and places.

30. Learn more

31. To learn

32. Empathy is important in every facet of life and anything that expands our knowledge and discussion on this topic is helpful.

33. A respective environmental active person has recommended this.

What topics would you suggest for future Summits? 

1. The eminence of happiness in our lives.

2. Being aloof to neighbor abuse

3. No

4. None at this stage

5. The Empathy in Africa

6. Guilt and Shame and empathy;

7. Emotional Intelligence and empathy;

8. Bullying (Traditional & Cyber) and (self) empathy.

9. Workplace competitiveness and empathy.

10. How to incorporate active listening and empathy circles in the professional workspace

11. Family estrangement without reconciliation-building a support network

12. empathy and emotional

13. Personal responsability

14. Practice of Self-Empathy

15. Global overwhelm

16. empathy circles with children

17. Expressive arts: poetry

18. Cultivating empathetic relationships between economic classes.

19. anything helpful

Share any feedback about your experience in todays Summit? 

1. A wonderful experience. Thank you

2. The speakers were great. Never thought of bringing Empathy circles in the workplace. Now I can see you can bring this into all aspects of your life.

3. informative

4. Very nice

5. Another wonderful experience.

6. As always very well organized and hugely needed topic for our current world status

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