A Safe Space That Fosters Empathetic Interaction
Karuna Bali believes that meaningful learning often begins with positive emotional experiences. When people think about the learning process, they often imagine engaging content, experienced facilitators, or interactive learning methods. All of these are important, of course. However, there is one thing that is often overlooked: a feeling of safety.
This was the inspiration behind the Living Values Education (LVE) Workshop organized by the Karuna Bali Foundation through its Capung Melajah Department on July 3–5, 2026. Over the course of three days, participants were invited to experience firsthand how a learning activity is designed to create a safe environment, foster effective communication, and promote empathetic interactions. Through various activities—such as reflection, games, group discussions, and exercises—participants were encouraged to reconnect with their own values and engage with the values of others.
The Active Listening exercise was the most memorable session of this workshop. Participants were guided to link a deep understanding of a message with a caring response that involved both reflecting on the content and the emotions behind it. Deep understanding is achieved when a message is received completely and accurately. A caring response arises when the listener understands the speaker’s inner state. This is the safe space where everyone is heard without judgment, their feelings are validated, and their perspectives are valued—making them better prepared to view issues from a new angle. It is here that effective communication and empathetic interaction take place.
After the event, most participants were asked to share their most valuable experiences from the workshop. Many expressed feelings they still felt quite strongly, including a sense of calm, lightness, and happiness. The warm interactions with the facilitators and other participants were not merely an afterthought but an essential part of the three-day collaborative learning process. Participants returned home with new knowledge and a growing conviction that the values they hold can serve as a foundation for their future lives. (ry)
