In this two-part series, Kris & Kamatara dive deep into the transformative power of empathic intelligence with special guest Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. In Part 1, we explore what empathy and empathic intelligence truly are, including a breakdown of their two core components and the three types of empathy. We also discuss the importance of body sovereignty and boundaries in empathic practice—especially within the power dynamics that often arise in poverty alleviation work. Empathy isn’t just about being nice; it’s about cultivating emotional fluency and embodied awareness to navigate difference, power, and complexity with care.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 6, where we continue the conversation with Meenadchi and explore how empathic intelligence is essential for navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict.

Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e5