On empathy, creating a tranquil space, and doing your best

Hello and welcome to MindfulMornings midweek motivation!

This email compliments Monday’s newsletter: The first duty of love is to listen.

We hope you’re having a good week and benefited from the tips we shared on Monday;

• Master Empathetic Communication

• Cultivate a Tranquil Space

Below is additional guidance, and motivation, for implementing these tips. At the bottom of the email, we’ve also included something interesting we’ve been mulling over.

So, grab your favorite cup of tea, find a comfy spot, and let’s get to it.

Midweek Motivation

1) Master Empathetic Communication

Empathetic communication is all about putting yourself in someone else's shoes. In other words, it's about shifting focus from ourselves to others.

Here's a challenge to help turn that focus away from yourself: try going one day without using the word "I". It might be surprising how frequently it comes up. Below are some examples of how to rephrase common expressions without "I":

• "I think" → "It seems that"

• "I like/love" → "This is enjoyable"

• "I feel sad" → "There is a feeling of sadness"

• "I want" → "It would be great to"

• "I don't know" → "That's uncertain"

• "I agree" → "That's a valid point"

When attempting this challenge, it becomes apparent how often we imply that our actions and feelings are a part of who we are, as though they permanently change us. We say "I am angry," but in reality, anger is a feeling that comes and goes; you are not anger.

Perhaps this is a quirk of the English language. Do other languages use "I" in the same way or as frequently as we do in English? Let us know by replying to this email.

2) Cultivate a Tranquil Space

To help with creating a tranquil space we’ve made a Pinterest board packed with inspiration. Find it here: Tranquil Spaces

Something Interesting

Below is a quote and parable we came across this week. They are good reminders to stay present, do your best, and not worry about the outcome.

A quote from the Bhagavad Gita:

"You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction. Perform work in this world, without selfish attachments, and alike in success and defeat."

The Archer Parable

When an archer is shooting for nothing, she has all her skill.

If she shoots for a brass buckle, she is already nervous.

If she shoots for a prize of gold, she goes blind or sees two targets.

Her skill has not changed, but the prize divides her. She cares!

She thinks more of winning than of shooting, And the need to win drains her of power.

Thanks for reading!

With gratitude,

MindfulMornings