An experiential model: Teaching empathy and cultural sensitivity

This article examines the effects of a pilot project for an experiential instructional model in teaching culturally sensitive, empathic communication skills. It attempts to integrate and communicate the theoretical, conceptual, and experiential understanding of cross-cultural empathy through the practice of mindful attitudes. Students were introduced to materials through a series of exercises which included mirroring breathing observation, posture, and moving awareness. These exercises fostered a state of openness through the experience of emptying, contemplation, and being-present. The preliminary findings indicate that the students were able to verbalize new learning experiences which included: being more attuned withtheirbodilyawareness, sensing theflow of energy with the other, letting go of power struggles, and pre-existing ideas, and experiencing a different kind of human connectedness with the other.