Zion becomes real on an individual basis when people live the principles of Zion, including love, compassion, charity, empathy, etc.
The Emotional Resilience book, which is in effect a handbook for how to create Zion, offers this important explanation of how to validate others.
4. VALIDATING OTHERS
Sister Reyna L. Aburto taught, “Even if we do not know how to relate to what others are going through, validating that their pain is real can be an important first step in finding understanding and healing” (“Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019).
To validate someone's feelings is to first accept someone's feelings and then to understand them.
Below are some steps to help you validate someone who is facing a challenge:
1. Listen. Be present and listen intently to what this person is telling you. Don't be defensive if you have contributed to their problem.
2. Try to understand. You may need to ask compassionate questions to better understand what this person is feeling. Do your best to understand where they're coming from.
3. Accept their feelings. Don't try to change them or say they're wrong for feeling that way.
4. Express compassion. Express that you care about what they're feeling. You can validate their feelings by saying things like, "You feel disrespected. It's hard to feel disrespected (or anxious, hopeless, worthless, angry, etc.)," even if you can't relate to the situation or the cause of the feeling
5. Show love. Tell this person that you care about them and that you are confident in their ability to solve or overcome the problem they are facing.