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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
Give Sustained, Receptive Attention
- Sustain attention to others and track micro-expressions around the eyes and mouth.
- Rick Hanson calls attentive presence a profound gift akin to a "bodily sacrifice of attention."
