A recent study published in Mindfulness shows that a brief two-minute practice, built around direct eye contact and shared humanity affirmations, can significantly boost feelings of closeness and compassion between strangers. The technique, called Just-Like-Me, also appears to synchronize physiological responses, offering a practical tool to strengthen social ties in schools, workplaces, and communities across Thailand.
Social isolation remains a pressing public health challenge in Thailand, especially after COVID-19 disruptions that disrupted support networks. Young students faced educational interruptions, while older adults experienced reduced family interactions. The new practice promises a scalable method to quickly foster genuine connection and mutual understanding in daily life.
University researchers describe a simple process: two people sit face-to-face, establish eye contact, and silently repeat phrases such as “Just like me, this person has felt sadness, loneliness, and pain,” and “Just like me, this person longs for peace and happiness.” The approach blends elements from nonviolent communication and loving-kindness traditions with a science-based framework to cultivate empathy.
Controlled trials report notable outcomes after only two minutes of shared meditation, including increased perceived closeness, warmth, and generosity toward partners. The observed effects are substantial for such a brief intervention, suggesting powerful mechanisms that can influence how people perceive and relate to one another in the long term.
Researchers note synchronized behavior during sessions, with participants showing coordinated smiles and, in in-person settings, aligned heart-rate patterns. These physiological connections are linked to higher trust and cooperation, emerging spontaneously from the meditation without specialized training.
Economic measures within studies indicate that emotional shifts translate into prosocial actions. Participants tended to allocate more resources to their partners in cooperative tasks, signaling that inner changes can drive external generosity beyond the session itself.
The findings offer timely tools to bridge social divides in Thai society, where polarization along political, generational, or cultural lines can hinder dialogue. By integrating eye-contact meditation into educational curricula, workplace training, and community programs, Thailand can bolster social cohesion and mutual respect.
Thai culture provides a natural foundation for adapting these techniques. Buddhist mindfulness and loving-kindness traditions align with the practice, though educators may tailor eye-contact norms to local comfort levels and social etiquette. The method can complement existing mindfulness programs in schools and community centers, especially for social-emotional learning and restorative justice initiatives.
Experts from major Thai universities advocate stronger social-emotional learning to address rising youth isolation and interpersonal conflict. Just-Like-Me offers practical, experiential empathy-building that can be embedded in group activities, particularly where dialogue structures are needed to ease tensions before conversations or reconciliations.
Implementation requires voluntary participation and careful facilitation to ensure psychological safety, especially for individuals who feel uncomfortable with direct eye contact. Cultural adaptations—such as choosing supportive prompts and gentle pacing—can preserve the essence of shared contemplation while respecting local customs.
Historical ties to Thai Buddhist practice, including loving-kindness meditation, suggest natural pathways for cultural integration. The Just-Like-Me method adds an interpersonal dimension that may intensify compassion through nonverbal cues and physiological coupling, enriching empathy development.
Future applications span romantic counseling, school-based restorative programs, youth interventions, and community dialogue projects aimed at bridging political or cultural divides. Bangkok’s diverse communities stand to gain from structured practices that highlight shared humanity while honoring cultural differences.
The technique’s accessibility—no special equipment or extensive training required—renders it suitable for schools, community organizations, healthcare settings, and grassroots groups seeking cost-effective ways to build social connection. Hybrid formats and online platforms can extend reach for remote communities and digital learners.
Practical steps for Thai communities include starting with trusted friends or colleagues and using prompts such as “Just like me, this person has hopes and struggles” or “Just like me, this person seeks happiness and relief from suffering.” Professionals in leadership, education, and counseling can weave these exercises into group sessions, while adapting guidelines to local eye-contact norms and personal space.
Even those wary of eye contact can engage through internal reflection, imagining others’ experiences to foster empathy. The core message remains: recognizing shared humanity strengthens bonds beyond any single technique.
Across Thailand, genuine human connection is a fundamental need often neglected in crowded, fast-paced environments. The Just-Like-Me approach offers a scientifically supported path to reclaim solidarity and enhance both individual wellbeing and community resilience.