Daily gratitude is growing in me—not by accident, but through practicing PEP (Practical Empathy Practice), which helps create authentic connections by observing reality without judgment.
The story
I’ve been noticing something lately that feels almost magical. Each day, I find myself more grateful – not just for the big stuff, but for random encounters, small kindnesses, even the way sunlight filters through leaves.
This growing sense of gratitude isn’t accidental. It’s directly connected to practicing what I call PEP [Practical Empathy Practice], which I explore in Chapter 9 of my book.
PEP grounds us in reality through four simple steps: objectively observing what’s happening, identifying genuine feelings [yours and others’], recognizing underlying values, and making positive, actionable requests.
When we strip away our instant judgments, we create space for authentic connection. I’ve found that using language around “wants” and “values” rather than vague “needs” brings real clarity to everyday conversations.
This approach works equally well in clinical settings and casual chats with friends. It’s changed how I communicate and deepened my relationships in unexpected ways.
At its heart, gratitude through practical empathy isn’t complicated – it’s about paying attention differently. And that shift changes everything.
If you’re curious about developing this practice in your own life, I walk through the complete process in Chapter 9 of “A Practical EmPath: Rewire Your Mind.”
Recent Comments