What is Empathy? I explore the eymology, psychology, physiology and spirituality behind the concept in an attempt to answer this question. How do we feel the other? How do we know the difference between our feelings and the feelings of the other? The three major components of empathy seem to be: knowing, feeling and responding compassionately. We read books to gather knowledge of things we do not have the time or space to learn first hand. Tuning our empathy has the same effect but for emotions. We can connect with other humans and simulate experiences we have never had. In doing so we expand our awareness and are better able to live ethically and effectively with our fellow humans.
Category: voice of the voiceless
Epona
Who is the Celtic horse goddess Epona? I have spent a lot of time researching her and there is not a lot of information on her despite her widespread popularity on the continent. How do I work with Epona? Discover her associations and her power in working through the darkest parts of ourselves.
V&E Animal Omens: Snake
Snakes represent metamorphosis and rebirth.
Today I went for a walk in the woods and came across a little gardener snake. Usually I wouldn’t see them because I try not to but I was with someone who is a snake magnet. I took this a sign that it is time for me to delve into snake omens. What does it mean when a snake crosses your path? What is the spiritual significance of the snake?
What lessons can we learn from the snake?
V&E Poetic Therapy: Mirror
by Sylvia Plath I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions. Whatever I see I swallow immediately Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: Mirror”
V&E Poetic Therapy: The Mental Traveller
by William Blake I travelled through a land of men, A land of men and women too, And heard and saw such dreadful things As cold… Read more “V&E Poetic Therapy: The Mental Traveller”
V&E Animal Omens: Wild Turkey
Yesterday I went for a ramble in the forest with a wonderful walking companion and we came across a beautiful, female, wild turkey! We tried to follow it but both the turkey and ourselves discovered that the path we were walking had been overtaken by a new-build subdivision.
It has been such a long time since I have written about animal omens and this encounter was so striking and made such an impression I had to know what message the turkey has for us!
Turns out they are messengers of abundance and in Spring they represent the beginning of a new journey of abundance. There is plenty to learn from this fortunate meeting in the woods!
Forgiveness? Try This
Forgiveness Prayer From Angeles Arrien’s book The Nine Muses If I have harmed anyone in any way Either knowingly or unknowingly Through my own confusions I ask… Read more “Forgiveness? Try This”
Making Diamonds
It is said that diamonds are made under extreme pressure. Me = diamond. Last year, I decided I would give up my home, my community, my comfort… Read more “Making Diamonds”
vehemence & emergence 