Building Bridges of Empathy: How We Heal Through Connection

https://youtu.be/T7iE_suWBw4

https://www.tiktok.com/@sixstagesframework/video/7545182339933031702

Podcast by Dr. Shungu M’gadzah assisted by Google Notebook LM (Full length podcast 2/2)

This episode explores the emotional and psychological costs of exclusion and disconnection through the metaphor of 'caves' — spaces people retreat into because of fear, privilege, or delusion. Dr. Shungu Mugadza shares how small acts of empathy and connection can heal, and presents the Six Stages Framework as a tool for fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging.

I. Executive Summary

Dr. M’gadzah introduces the metaphor of 'caves' — psychological and social spaces people enter when they feel excluded or unsafe. Healing happens when we disrupt these caves and build bridges of empathy through connection, small acts of presence, and active listening. The Six Stages Framework offers a structured path for change.

II. Main Themes and Core Arguments

A. The Feeling: 'It’s Not Safe Here'

Many feel unsafe due to differences like race, disability, gender, or neurodivergence, (and some feel unsafe through fear of differences) leading to retreat into:

- Caves of Fear: Resulting from trauma or exclusion.

- Caves of Privilege: Interaction only with those similar to oneself.

- Caves of Delusion: Denial of inequality or lived experiences.

B. Intersectionality and Systemic Failure

Overlapping identities (e.g., race, disability, gender) amplify exclusion. Institutions often fail to acknowledge or accommodate these intersections.

C. Power of Small Acts of Empathy

Meaningful change can begin with small acts: sitting beside someone, asking questions, listening, and sharing space.

D. Role of Advocacy and Allyship

Marginalised people need allies and advocates to help them carry the weight of exclusion and to feel truly seen and supported.

E. Defining Safety and Using the Six Stages Framework

Safety is more than the absence of harm—it is the presence of empathy and dignity. The Six Stages Framework is a tool to recognise bias, disrupt exclusion, and build belonging.

III. Most Important Ideas

• “It’s not safe here” as a profound expression of exclusion.

• The three 'caves' as psychological responses to exclusion.

• Delusion as a defense that protects comfort but upholds injustice.

• Intersectionality amplifies the experience of exclusion.

• Small acts of empathy can be transformative.

• Safety includes dignity, empathy, and belonging.

• The Six Stages Framework as an actionable model for inclusion.

• Call to action: Step into new spaces where empathy begins.

IV. Reflection Questions for Action

• What spaces are you avoiding and why?

• What spaces feel safe, unsafe, or unfamiliar to you?

• Where are you stuck—in a cave of fear, privilege, or delusion?

• Who do you see sitting alone?

• What might it take to step into someone else’s space with empathy?

• If you had a tool for change in one hand, what would it be?

• How can we Build Bridges of Empathy together?

Dr Shungu H. M’gadzah: Inclusion Psychologists Ltd. Copyright: © 2025

www.sixstagesframework.com | www.inclusionpsychologists.com

#equitylearningplace #equityinpsychology #diversitychallenge #Compassion #psychologyofequity #diversityandinclusion #professionaldevelopment #psychology #DrShungu #SixStagesFramework #InclusionPsychologists #EducationalPsychologist #DEI #DEIConsultant #DiversityEquityInclusion #ExecutiveCoach #ExpertWitness #Leadership #OrganizationalPsychology #Psychology #Author #BookLaunch #ThoughtLeader #Antiracism #SocialJustice #Bookstagram #NewBook #PersonalGrowth #DEIStrategy #InclusiveLeadership #SystemicChange #WorkplaceInclusion #SchoolInclusion #CommunityBuilding #PersonalDevelopment #Empowerment

Title: Understanding the Six Stages Framework (2025) – Presentation by Keri Link, Assistant Psychologist | Inclusion Psychologists Ltd

Description:
Discover the updated Six Stages Framework 2025 Model in this insightful presentation by Keri Link, Assistant Psychologist at Inclusion Psychologists Ltd.

Developed by Dr. Shungu H. M’gadzah, the Six Stages Framework is a powerful psychological and developmental model that supports individuals and organisations in navigating their journey toward equity, inclusion, and social justice.

In this video, Keri walks us through:
✅ The positive (+1 to +6) and negative (–1 to –6) stages of the model
✅ How the framework applies to all protected characteristics
✅ Practical strategies for coaching, organisational development, and honest dialogue
✅ What makes the framework unique in supporting sustainable, measurable change

🔗 Learn more: www.sixstagesframework.com
📅 Book a call: https://calendly.com/shungu/introduction-to-the-six-stages-inclusive-framework
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.eu/d/0DQGxg9

#Equity #Inclusion #SixStagesFramework #DEI #Psychology #AntiRacism #Leadership #KeriLink #DrShungu

Let’s shift the focus from just external behaviours to include internal attitudes, assumptions, emotions, and thought patterns — which is exactly what the Six Stages Framework (SSF) invites people to reflect on.

This post weaves in intersectionality, the psychology behind bias, and real-world relevance — while remaining accessible and action-oriented:

Challenging Everyday Biases by Helping to Adjust Our Equity Lenses 👓

Bias doesn’t always look like hate.
Sometimes it sounds like silence.
Or feels like discomfort.
Or hides behind “good intentions.”

Every day, in boardrooms, classrooms, staff rooms and social spaces — subtle (and not so subtle) forms of bias, resistance, and exclusion are at play.

They may be rooted in racism, but also in ableism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ageism, transphobia, or neuro-normativity.

Too often, we treat them as isolated issues — but they’re all connected by power, fear, and learned behaviour.

🔍 The Six Stages Framework (SSF) helps us understand these patterns — especially when people operate along the negative axis.

This isn’t just about what people do.

It’s about how they think, feel, and protect their comfort in the face of difference, disruption, or accountability.

💬 Examples of everyday biases:
– A colleague who "doesn’t see disability" and avoids conversations about reasonable adjustments.
– A manager who gets defensive when asked why women aren’t progressing in leadership roles.
– A teacher who says, “I treat everyone the same,” but never questions whose history gets taught.
– A friend who supports Pride publicly, but mocks a colleague’s gender identity in private.
– A DEI lead who celebrates ‘diversity days’ but silences staff who raise structural concerns.

These responses may fall into one of the negative stages of the SSF:

• Passive Avoidance
• Defensiveness
• Denial or Dismissal
• Tokenism
• Active Complicity
• Deliberate Oppression

But here’s the powerful part:
💡 People aren’t fixed in these stages.

With the right support — grounded in empathy, challenge, and reflection — they can move toward curiosity, growth, and meaningful change.

Ask yourself:
👉 Do you know someone stuck in these patterns?
👉 What early experiences or exposures might have shaped their worldview?
👉 How can you support them to adjust their equity lens without shaming or shutting them down?

This work is about compassionate accountability.

It’s about challenging everyday biases — not just in others, but in ourselves.
And it’s about creating cultures where inclusion isn’t performative… it’s embodied.

👇 Share your reflections below. What biases have you had to unlearn?

#SixStagesFramework #ChallengingBias #EquityLens #Intersectionality #EverydayBias #InclusionPsychologists #PsychologyOfInclusion #BiasToBelonging #EquityLeadership #EquityLeadership #EquityPsychology #personaldevelpmenentantiracism #ProfessionalGrowth #racialtrauma #disability #discriminationawareness #discrimination #sexism #Biases

https://studio.youtube.com/video/QhS6yw1eTxI/edit

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush into Monday with urgency. But what if we chose a different rhythm?

✨ This week, I invite you to let your steps be light.
Each one, a small act of kindness — towards yourself and those you encounter.

At the end of the day, imagine looking back with gratitude for the gentleness you carried.
How might that change the way your week begins?

Have a mindful Monday.
— Dr. Shungu H. M’gadzah

#StepsOfKindness #BuildingBridgesOfEmpathy #MindfulLeadership #PsychologyAndCoaching #InclusionAndEmpathy

Caves we inhabit: Do you sometimes feel hidden or held back?

Do you sometimes feel hidden or held back?

or separate and in your own silo?

We all carry caves within us-

places of safety, silence, or separation.

They often form during adversity, trauma,

or through a disconnect and failure to see

and hear those who are different.

🕯️ Caves of fear

😶 Caves of silence

🌫️ Caves of anxiety

🏰 Caves of privilege

🎭 Caves of delusion

🫂 Caves of belonging

🔥 Caves of Anger

⚔️ Caves of Revenge

💔 Caves of Loneliness

💰 Caves of Poverty

What cave weighs heavily on your shoulders?

What built your cave?

When did you first notice it?

What keeps you there?

What's holding it in place?

It can feel like these caves protect us—

but they can also trap us,

and disconnect us from others.

🛠 How do we help people step into new spaces and build bridges of empathy?

❤️ What’s helped you—or someone you know?

"It’s time to step into new spaces—and build bridges of empathy.”

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Building Bridges of Empathy.

🔗https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tIuRYMH0HxolrJSQxmiYe?si=efec05a7acb74d65

Check out related post:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shunguhildamgadzah_cavesofprivilege-cavesoffear-cavesofsilence-activity-7362165729585995776-4ush?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAATDdFABitB0IcBtqj9mbmn1_f2_FcvsvRo

#CavesofPrivilege #CavesofFear #CavesofSilence #CavesofAnxiety #CavesofBelonging #Compassion #Poll #Healing #Empathy #Inclusion #SixStagesFramework #Trauma #Reflection #PsychologyofEquity #CavesofAnger #CavesofRevenge #BuildingBridges  #Compassion

Welcome to Building Bridges of Empathy – Season 3, with Dr. Shungu H. M’gadzah. Today’s reflection is titled ‘Walking Slowly Through Monday.’”

“Walking Slowly Through Monday” is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to meet the week at full speed. With calming rhythms and compassionate words, Dr. Shungu invites us to slow down, be present, and carry kindness into our day — one mindful step at a time.

#MindfulMonday
#BuildingBridgesOfEmpathy
#DrShungu
#PoetryForTheSoul
#Mindfulness
#SelfCompassion
#StartYourWeekRight
#SlowLiving
#CalmMindCalmLife
#EmpathyInAction
#LifeCoachingWisdom
#PauseAndBreathe
#StillnessMatters

This short video introduces Mindful Mondays with Dr. Shungu — a calming weekly series designed to help you slow down and reconnect with presence. Through gentle visuals and soothing tones, Dr. Shungu blends the insight of psychology with the heart of life coaching, inviting you to begin your week with stillness, self-compassion, and purpose. Her affirming reflections offer a pause in the rush of daily life, reminding us: “You are doing the best that you can.” Let this be your space to breathe, reflect, and re-engage — with empathy, clarity, and hope.

🌿 Mindful Mondays with Dr. Shungu 🌿In a world that constantly rushes us forward, Dr. Shungu H. M’gadzah invites us to pause, breathe, and return to the present moment. Blending the wisdom of psychology with the heart of life coaching, her reflections offer more than just inspiration — they offer permission. Permission to slow down. Permission to simply be. With calming rhythms and affirming words, Dr. Shungu gently guides us inward with compassion, reminding us that “You are doing the best that you can” and “There’s nothing to fix, nothing to change.” Her words are grounding and healing — a bridge between self-awareness and spiritual calm. As we begin this new week, let her voice lead you into a space of stillness, presence, and hope — ready not just to reflect, but to re-engage with empathy and purpose.

#ItsANewDay #MindfulMondays #DrShungu #MorningMeditation #SpokenAffirmations #HealingWords #StartYourDayRight

#MindfulnessMatters #SelfCompassion #BeStill #MentalHealthAwareness #PauseAndBreathe #CalmInTheChaos #MindfulLiving

#PsychologyMeetsCoaching #WellbeingJourney #EmpathyInAction #SelfAwareness #EmotionalWellness #InnerPeace

If Racism Was a Virus is a bold, thought-provoking podcast that explores racism as a systemic and psychological infection—one that spreads, mutates, and impacts every part of society. Hosted by Dr. Shungu H. M'gadzah, psychologist and anti-racism expert, the show invites listeners to reflect, unlearn, and reimagine what healing and equity could look like. Each episode dives deep into real stories, current events, and practical tools for change—because understanding racism is the first step to dismantling it.

Training Your Brain for Equity

A Reflective Episode from the Six Stages FrameworkBy Dr. Shungu H. M’gadzah

Welcome to Building Bridges of Empathy. This is your space for reflection, transformation, and grounding in truth.

Today’s episode is titled: Training Your Brain for Equity.

You may have heard people talk about training the body for calm—building mental resilience, rewiring the brain to respond to life’s stressors without spiraling.

This got me thinking: Can we train the brain—not just for calm—but for equity?

What would it mean to approach equity like a daily practice, the same way we train our breath, our focus, or our bodies?

We are all carrying beliefs, values, and assumptions that we didn’t choose. Some are rooted in bias. Others in trauma or fear.

In the Six Stages Framework, we begin with Stage 0—Locate Yourself. Before we challenge the world around us, we must observe the world within us.

These are not fixed. They are habits. And like all habits, they can be rewired.

Training your brain for equity means becoming more conscious of in-equity threats—not just in society but within our own thoughts.

These responses are signs of Stage 1 or 2 in the Six Stages: denial or minimisation.

Just as we observe our breath when meditating, we can learn to observe our thoughts—with curiosity, not judgment.

Equity work is not about perfection. It’s about practice.

Pause. Breathe. Create space between stimulus and response. This is where equity lives.

Over time, these new choices form new pathways.

Visualise yourself in a moment of challenge. Notice your breath. Ground yourself.

You don’t shut down. You don’t explode. You stay present.

This is training your brain for equity.

Equity is not a destination—it’s a practice.

The Six Stages Framework offers a map. This work offers you the tools. Your life offers you the moments.

Take a breath. Recall your values. You are not just reacting to the world. You are helping to reshape it.

🌱 Part One: From Calm to Equity🧠 Part Two: Rewiring for Equity Literacy🪞 Part Three: Becoming Conscious of Equity Threats🔄 Part Four: From Reaction to Response🧘🏽‍♀️ Part Five: Visualising Equity Practice🌿 Closing Reflection

📘 Understanding and Dealing with Everyday Racism – The Six Stages Framework (2022).

A must-read for individuals and organisations committed to personal and systemic change. This book introduces the Six Stages Framework, a structured path to greater self-awareness and action.

📖 ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/0DQGxg9⁠⁠

🦠  If Racism Was a Virus (2025)

A powerful and poetic exploration of racism through metaphor and lived experience. Informed by key lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic, this book invites readers to reflect on how racism spreads, infects, and can be healed — personally and collectively.

📖 ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/95OnuU3⁠⁠

💬 Whether you're a parent, educator, student, ally, or leader, there’s something in these books for you. Let’s keep the conversations going and the learning growing.

Book a discovery call:

⁠⁠https://calendly.com/shungu/introduction-to-the-six-stages-inclusive-framework⁠⁠

#SixStagesFramework #InclusionPsychologists #DrShunguLive #Bias #EDI #Leadership #AntiRacism #Inclusion #Equity #DEIChat #LinkedInLive #PsychologyOfInclusion #SSFQuestioning #SixStagesInclusiveFramework #SSFAssociates #SSFTrainTheTrainer

 #Education #Diversity #Belonging #Equity #DEI #StudentVoice #SchoolLeadership #RacismAwareness #InclusiveEducation #BookLaunch #SocialJustice

#diversityandinclusion #EquityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWork #CulturalInclusion

 #EmpathyInLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #CultureTransformation #InclusiveWorkplaces #ChangeManagement

#emotionalintelligence #BuildingResilience #TraumaInformedCare #SelfAwareness #InclusiveEducation #BridgesOfEmpathy #sixstagesframework #EmpathyInAction #FrameworkForChange #inclusionmatters #Racism #meditation #guidedmeditation

Training Your Brain for Equity

A Reflective Episode from the Six Stages FrameworkBy Dr. Shungu H. M’gadzah

Welcome to Building Bridges of Empathy. This is your space for reflection, transformation, and grounding in truth.

Today’s episode is titled: Training Your Brain for Equity.

You may have heard people talk about training the body for calm—building mental resilience, rewiring the brain to respond to life’s stressors without spiraling.

This got me thinking: Can we train the brain—not just for calm—but for equity?

What would it mean to approach equity like a daily practice, the same way we train our breath, our focus, or our bodies?

We are all carrying beliefs, values, and assumptions that we didn’t choose. Some are rooted in bias. Others in trauma or fear.

In the Six Stages Framework, we begin with Stage 0—Locate Yourself. Before we challenge the world around us, we must observe the world within us.

These are not fixed. They are habits. And like all habits, they can be rewired.

Training your brain for equity means becoming more conscious of in-equity threats—not just in society but within our own thoughts.

These responses are signs of Stage 1 or 2 in the Six Stages: denial or minimisation.

Just as we observe our breath when meditating, we can learn to observe our thoughts—with curiosity, not judgment.

Equity work is not about perfection. It’s about practice.

Pause. Breathe. Create space between stimulus and response. This is where equity lives.

Over time, these new choices form new pathways.

Visualise yourself in a moment of challenge. Notice your breath. Ground yourself.

You don’t shut down. You don’t explode. You stay present.

This is training your brain for equity.

Equity is not a destination—it’s a practice.

The Six Stages Framework offers a map. This work offers you the tools. Your life offers you the moments.

Take a breath. Recall your values. You are not just reacting to the world. You are helping to reshape it.

🌱 Part One: From Calm to Equity🧠 Part Two: Rewiring for Equity Literacy🪞 Part Three: Becoming Conscious of Equity Threats🔄 Part Four: From Reaction to Response🧘🏽‍♀️ Part Five: Visualising Equity Practice🌿 Closing Reflection

📘 Understanding and Dealing with Everyday Racism – The Six Stages Framework (2022).

A must-read for individuals and organisations committed to personal and systemic change. This book introduces the Six Stages Framework, a structured path to greater self-awareness and action.

📖 ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/0DQGxg9⁠⁠

🦠  If Racism Was a Virus (2025)

A powerful and poetic exploration of racism through metaphor and lived experience. Informed by key lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic, this book invites readers to reflect on how racism spreads, infects, and can be healed — personally and collectively.

📖 ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/95OnuU3⁠⁠

💬 Whether you're a parent, educator, student, ally, or leader, there’s something in these books for you. Let’s keep the conversations going and the learning growing.

Book a discovery call:

⁠⁠https://calendly.com/shungu/introduction-to-the-six-stages-inclusive-framework⁠⁠

#SixStagesFramework #InclusionPsychologists #DrShunguLive #Bias #EDI #Leadership #AntiRacism #Inclusion #Equity #DEIChat #LinkedInLive #PsychologyOfInclusion #SSFQuestioning #SixStagesInclusiveFramework #SSFAssociates #SSFTrainTheTrainer

 #Education #Diversity #Belonging #Equity #DEI #StudentVoice #SchoolLeadership #RacismAwareness #InclusiveEducation #BookLaunch #SocialJustice

#diversityandinclusion #EquityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWork #CulturalInclusion

 #EmpathyInLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #CultureTransformation #InclusiveWorkplaces #ChangeManagement

#emotionalintelligence #BuildingResilience #TraumaInformedCare #SelfAwareness #InclusiveEducation #BridgesOfEmpathy #sixstagesframework #EmpathyInAction #FrameworkForChange #inclusionmatters #Racism #meditation #guidedmeditation