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Empathy, Detachment, and Changing the World

Empathy / Compassion, Zen and Buddhism

Imagine you are in a crowded movie theater. Suddenly, smoke starts to appear and spread throughout the theater. There are screams, and people jumping up and piling into a crowd…

What causes some people to be helpers and leaders in such a situation, instead of panicking? How do we develop a mind that supports helpful detachment?

No Enemy Images in Relationships–and Everywhere Else

Communication, Psychology

What is an “enemy image”? How do you know when you have one? An enemy image exists whenever we think that our child, spouse, co-worker, or political figure is bad, crazy, or other similar judgments and condemnations.

Yes, You Have Influence With (But Not Control Over) Others!

Change, Psychology

We have probably all heard the following on various occasions: “We can’t control anyone. They (he/she) make their own choices.” That could be referring to family or friends making “bad” choices. But there is a mindset that can keep us connected in a more effective way!

Love Means Never Having to Say (With a Sense of Guilt) You’re Sorry

Better Life, Psychology

A lot has been written about apologies. How they are important, and how they should be worded. But I think there is important room for improvement, if the goal is to create a stronger relationship. Just this morning, …