The Empathy Labyrinth Presentation
The Empathy Labyrinth is a kinesthetic tool that guides you step by step through the process of self-empathy. You will gain greater clarity about your feelings and needs/values, connecting you to your heart, so that you can live a more joyful life.
The Empathy Labyrinth combines a cognitive process known as Nonviolent Communication (NVC), traditional circle labyrinths, finger Heart Labyrinths, and Inner Sacred Circles (ISC),
What you will learn in this presentation:
- How to use the Empathy Labyrinth
- Basic principles of NVC
- Empathy skills- Acknowledging feelings and needs
- The calming, healing, and transformative power of self-empathy
- How to use an Inner Sacred Circle (ISC)
- Acknowledging your inner voices/entities/parts
- To make requests which contribute to connection, harmony & peace.
What is the Empathy Labyrinth (EL)? The Empathy Labyrinth is a kinesthetic tool that guides you step by step through the process of self-empathy and Nonviolent Communication (NVC)*.
What is the purpose of the EL? To have a tool with which to process yourself in difficult situations:
1. To calm yourself down so you can identify what you’re feeling and actually needing in a situation.
2. To foster clarity, compassion, and connection to your heart so you can address your situation with a new openhearted perspective.
3. To enhance the quality of communication with yourself and others.
4. To respond in a way that is in alignment with what you truly value.
5. To heal and transform.
6. To teach the components of Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
How does it enhance communication for oneself and between others? By using the Empathy Labyrinth you learn to slow down, to listen to what others are feeling and needing which allows you to respond from an openhearted compassionate place.
In what settings can it be used? The Empathy Labyrinth can be used anywhere, anytime, by yourself, one-on-one, in groups and even as a planned public event (walk). The Empathy Labyrinth has been used on the Mall in Washington DC during a major human rights rally, in the Middle East with Jews and Arabs, Occupy Wall Street, Kripalu Yoga Center, Omega, The Abode, Churches, Synagogues, Connecticut Mental Health Center-New Haven, Freedom Project-Seattle, and for children from pre-school through college.
*What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC)? Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a philosophy and process of communication developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, in the 1960’s. It is based on the idea of compassion and connection with one’s self and with others. NVC has three basic components: Self-Empathy, Empathic Listening, and Honest Expression.
NVC is a practical, learnable process that helps people connect more deeply with themselves and others, based on universal human values. It promotes congruency with one’s values in thought, speech and action. The purpose of NVC is to create a quality of connection where everyone’s needs are equally valued. It provides strategies to meet needs, which contribute to connection, harmony and peace.
Why NVC is beneficial? Participants who embody NVC are able to get to the heart of a conflict or dispute quickly and resolve it peacefully. NVC supports self-responsibility, living one’s values in ways that benefit all, and living a life of meaning and purpose.
Marc Weiner- Founder and developer of the Empathy Labyrinth
The comedian, puppeteer and television producer: His life story was told in a NY Times Magazine article, Of God And Weinerville.
His TV credits include appearances on Saturday Night Live, HBO, Comedy Central, and his own show, Nickelodeon’s Weinerville. Currently, Marc provides the voices of the Map and Swiper the Fox on Nick Jr.’s hit TV series, Dora the Explorer and Dora and Friends.
The Inner Peace Activist: He has been teaching Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and empathy skills for over 13 years and at Kripalu for the past 8 years. He has also led workshops at Omega, The Abode, The Garrison Institute, The Rowe Center, Pace University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and in the West Bank and Israel with Jews and Arabs together. Marc has a private practice in which he guides his clients in deep self-empathy explorations for healing and transformation.