Collective Spotlight: Michael Sheely
Meet Michael! He is an Empathy Trainer, Life & Relationship Coach, and Business Coach. Michael offers a Compassionate Communication workshop at Sanctuary. Visit our Events schedule to learn more.
Why did you want to become an empathy trainer?
I believe that empathy is one of the most important skills contributing to the healthy evolution of humanity. I think that, if we taught empathy in schools to the degree we teach history, science or math, we would be creating a world that had the skills to handle all the challenges that humanity is facing on a local and global scale.
Personally I realized that I had not been taught these skills growing up and that without them conflict seemed like a contest to be won, healing seemed like the job of professionals, and wisdom meant finding the right way.
What have you gained from this work?
This work has taught me that true wisdom comes with more questions than answers, that remaining open and curious is the fastest way to grow, and that we can always find common ground, love and harmony when we focus on each other’s experience rather than trying to determine who or what is right and wrong.
What do you hope your students/clients feel after working with you?
I hope that my students feel inspired to approach their life and relationships in a new or deeper way, feel empowered with a practical way of implementing their spiritual beliefs in their daily lives, and feel more connected with themselves and the people and the world around them.
How does your work inform your understanding of the world?
This work is at the core of my approach to life and informs the way I relate to conflict, personal growth, relationships and spirituality. Through this work I have come to the understanding that the interconnectedness of life is far more precious than the success of any paradigm, and that we are ever-evolving creatures who have the opportunity to focus each moment on what matters most rather than the short-sighted outcomes of being right, being good, or winning.
What's your favorite season of the year, and why?
Unlike most people, I love winter because I love to ski. I have been telemark skiing for over 30 years and one of my happy places is on a mountain waist deep in snow.
What has made you smile recently that you feel the need to share?
Contact Improvisation is another one of my favorite things to do. I especially love Contact because of the community aspect that supports intimate relationships on and off the dancefloor. I just attended the Winter Jam at Earthdance which is where I met my wife Chandra 10 New Year’s ago and being there with her, our son, and that longtime community brought a big smile to my face.
