Compassionate Integrity Training CIT-Faciltator-Guide-2.1-Final | Page 116

C OMPASSIONATE I NTEGRITY T RAINING
A S ECULAR E THICS A PPROACH TO C ULTIVATING P ERSONAL , S OCIAL AND E NVIRONMENTAL F LOURISHING
S KILL 7: E MPATHIC C ONCERN
T HE E MPATHY L INE *
Goal: To allow participants to see the biased way we apply empathy and how it depends largely on how a
person is related to us, our past experiences, and how much context we have.
Materials: Space to create a horizontal line ideally wide enough for all participants to stand shoulder-to-
shoulder. Two pieces of paper that can be taped to either side of the room, one saying “A Lot of Empathy”
and one saying “Very Little Empathy.”
Time: 20 to 30 Minutes
Instructions:
1.
Attach the two pieces of paper to two ends of the room using tape or another means, such that
there is an open space between them.
2.
Ask the participants, “Please stand up and create a space in the middle of the room. There is an
imaginary line on the floor between the two signs you see. On one end we have ‘Very Little
Empathy’ and on the other end we have ‘A Lot of Empathy.’ I am going to give you various
scenarios, and as I do, I would like you to stand along the line based on how much empathy you
feel for the main person in the scenario. Remember, we’re not going to judge each other based on
where we stand, so feel free to be honest with how you feel about the scenario. At times I may give
you additional information, whereupon you can change your position.”
3.
It may help to explain how empathy is defined. “Perhaps you’re wondering what we mean by
empathy. Empathy has two components. Affective empathy is resonating emotionally with
another person—feeling for them. Cognitive empathy means perspective taking—being able to see
things from their point of view.”
4.
Next, read all or some of the following scenarios, depending on how much time you have. After you
read the first part of each scenario, allow people to take up a position on the empathy line, then ask,
“Would anyone like to tell us why you chose to stand where you are standing on the line?” Allow
people to move at any point of the activity.
C ENTER FOR C OMPASSION , I NTEGRITY AND S ECULAR E THICS | L IFE U NIVERSITY | M ARIETTA , G EORGIA
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