Jennifer was my first voice and guitar teacher and is the reason that I write music. She is incredibly gifted as a teacher of music and, more recently, yoga. Jennifer is filled with compassion and empathy, and she recently launched an online community for people to learn to integrate breathing, yoga and meditation into their daily lives. The community also offers support through weekly reflections and an exclusive Facebook group where we discuss spiritual matters. Check her out at www.jenniferka.com.

For a long time I've known that I want a relationship that looks different from a lot of those I've seen modeled for me, but it often felt like true love was a pipe dream. Within the last year, I've been awakened to the idea of conscious partnership. It's a concept that's discussed in the spiritual community a lot. I've done some spiritual work with Ellie, who runs https://www.adivineunion.com/ and is in a conscious partnership. She shared this book Party of 2: A Path to Union in her Facebook community. I read it, and it really resonated! I think it's very encouraging to hear not only a man's perspective on this concept, but also to hear that this way of relating is possible. And he gives practical examples of how to create more harmony in relationships without sugar coating. Would love to discuss!!!

Sonja is the wife of my cousin Volker, and she's a German screenwriter. She mostly writes for TV as far as I understand, and she's been doing that since she was in her teens. Recently, she joined a movement of writers who are campaigning to create a union for screenwriters in Germany. As things stood when I talked to her in June, there was no union. Screenwriters are commissioned for projects, but their names never appear in the credits of the finished product. Directors, in essence, take all the credit for the work, and writers have no say in changes the director makes. Sonja risked her job joining this movement for more fairness in the system when, as a woman, she is already in the minority. I'm inspired by her, and I think other people would be, too. Here's her website, but I can get you in contact if you want! http://www.sonja-schoenemann.de

I think Nikki would be a wonderful person to interview/feature on your blog. She is a licensed massage therapist and reiki master, and she also offers life coaching sessions. She connects mind, body and spirit in her sessions, and I always leave feeling heard and inspired. Nikki is one of the most powerful empaths that I know, and she has helped me navigate my journey in a very loving way. The link to her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/nikkisalomonlifecoach/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdwLYlshQRoeYuR1iaRCg1T7JldZaO4_bRKQ-p5ZxYliqQ%3AAdzWAOjint9OfM2xg5u4D0MGsOjj2xNKrNSrMA7dj4M_fA.

Flashy produced creative arts are always such a great platform to encourage empathy. But what about on a smaller scale? Sometimes a street performer or some person you meet on the bus can make an impact with compassion. Do you have any experiences like this that stay with you? What are some acts of kindness that you've witnessed or participated in lately? Where have you seen opposing perspectives have a conversation without anger? "I have a kind thought for everyone. May we create today in the spirit of cooperation and joy." - Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, affirmation

Thought-provoking movies? Wow-zing books? Jaw-dropping shows? The creative arts give us such a gift. It brings us together and allows us to share experiences with strangers. Whether it's bonding over a book or sitting in a theatre or cinema with complete strangers, we share that experience. What about a band or artist you saw when you went out for dinner the other day? What street performers caught your eye lately? I want to know! Share these experiences with me! What forms of the creative arts inspire you? How do they bring us together and how can we make more of them? What projects are you involved with that do this? I can't wait to hear all the exciting things. I mean, empathings. =P - Abigail :)

I want to create and foster a community full of conversation. Don't let me just post my thoughts... I want to hear yours! What thoughts surrounding empathy and the creative arts do you want to discuss? Who are some individuals or organizations who exercise these values? How do you think empathy and compassion can brighten our future? Post your ideas below! - Abigail :)