Nonviolent CommunicationTM allows us to shift our thinking from good and bad judgments to heartfelt connection with ourselves and our children through focusing on the universal human needs we are both
seeking to meet.
"She drives me mad when she won’t tidy her room." Frustration and anger are common when our kids either do things we don’t like, or fail to behave in ways we want them to.
Often we respond with judgments, “She’s so stubborn,” or “I’m such a failure as a parent.” We deal with our feelings by using labels, blame, criticism, and diagnosis. But the problem is that judging our children and
believing what they “should” do leads us to anger. Judge ourselves instead, then guilt, shame and depression follow. Feeling hopeless about our children’s desire to cooperate, we try to motivate and coerce them with punishments or rewards.
Three Ways Nonviolent Communication Connects to Spirituality
Published on KindCommunication.org
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Spirituality, how do those connect? Actually in lots of ways. But first let me get clear on how I’m using this term “spirituality”.
Of course spirituality means lots of different things to lots of different people. As it should. It is distinct from religious. “Religious” means relating to or believing in a particular religion. Nonviolent Communication does not pertain to a single religious organization or group. You don’t need to believe in a Higher Power in order to use and get lots of benefit from NVC.
"Kindness begins with the understanding that we all
struggle."
~Anonymous
Article
Strengthen Your Relationships With Nonviolent Communication
Published on Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Remember playing "telephone" as a kid? It's the game where one person whispers a phrase to someone else, and it gets whispered down a line of children until the last one says the phrase out loud and everyone laughs at how much it has changed.
Sometimes relationships can feel like we're stuck in that game. You say one thing, but your partner hears something completely different. Your boss gives you feedback, but all you can hear is criticism. You try to express your feelings, but you just sound mean and petty.
Explore the Buddha’s ancient guidelines for right speech with tools to translate those teachings into the fast-paced conversations of a modern world. In this series, Insight meditation teacher and nonviolent communication trainer Oren Jay Sofer shares three foundations of mindful communication to bring your deeper values and intentions into every interaction. Learn to create the conditions for
understanding, use basic building blocks of good conversation, and identify and skillfully express your needs.
Oren Jay Sofer is a member of the Spirit Rock Teacher’s Council. He leads retreats and workshops on mindful communication at meditation centers and educational settings around the country and is the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication.
"Don't hate the circumstance, you may miss the
blessing."
~Marshall Rosenberg
Inspiration, Fun and More
Randy Pausch - Interview Highlights - 10 Minutes - Inspirational - Meaningful - The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch encourages us to make the most of our life. His positive outlook in the face of Pancreatic Cancer which was to take his life on July 25, 2008 continues to be an inspiration to many. May it encourage us to make the most of the life and time we've been given. Randolph Frederick "Randy" Pausch (October 23, 1960 -- July 25, 2008) was an American professor of
computer science and human-computer interaction and design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pausch learned that he had pancreatic cancer in September 2006, and in August 2007 he was given a terminal diagnosis: "3 to 6 months of good health left". He gave an upbeat lecture entitled "The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" on September 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon.... He then co-authored a book called The Last Lecture on the same theme, which became
a New York Times best-seller. Pausch died of complications from pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2008.
"Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts."
~Marshall Rosenberg
Inspiration, Fun and More
A Soft Answer
Published on Eastern Healing Arts
By Terry Dobson
There is a story by Terry Dobson about an American guy, a student of Aikido, in a tram in Tokyo who gets ready to fight against a drunken man who is threatening other passengers, and the situation gets calmed down by an old gentlemen in a kimono who involves the drunken man in a conversation about sake and plum trees. Here is the link to the story.
"Don't hate the circumstance, you may miss the
blessing."
~Marshall Rosenberg
Pinteresting
Compassion in Action
Animal Rescue Corp
The leadership of Animal Rescue Corps walk you through the recent rescues and more: June 2 through 15, ARC rescued more than 100 animals of a variety of breeds and species in three rescues, dubbed Operation Dire Straits and Operation Summer Saves I & II, in three counties across Tennessee.
We added a NVC 3rd print edition recently with an additional chapter on 'Conflict Resolution and Mediation'. This is not included in the Sounds True recording.
"The number one rule of our training is empathy before
education."
~Marshall Rosenberg
July 2019 Book Specials
NVC Book!
Connecting Across Differences: Finding Common Ground With Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime 2nd Edition
Regular Price: $19.95
Sale Price: $7.95
by Jane Marantz Connor and Dian Killian
In this fully revised second edition, Dr. Dian Killian and Dr. Jane Marantz Connor offer a comprehensive and accessible introductory guide to exploring the concepts, applications, and transformative power of the Nonviolent Communication process. Providing research-based insight into the psychology of communication, this reference explores the most common barriers to effective communication and provides tangible
steps to address these barriers head-on. The book features an expanded selection of relevant, meaningful exercises, role-plays, and activities that give readers the chance to immediately apply the concepts to real-life experiences. With lessons including how to transform negative self-talk into self-empowerment, how to foster trust and collaboration when stakes are high, and how to defuse anger, enemy images, and other barriers to connection, Connecting Across Differences teaches
effective communication skills that get to the root of conflict, pain, and violence peacefully.
Stay Connected to the Values of Compassion With the Free 366 Daily Peaceful Living Meditations. Read one sample
below
Day 154: Meeting Our Need for Rest
I was astounded to discover that a friend of mine renews herself by being with people. She feels more restful and relaxed when she is with people than when she is alone. I, on the other hand, meet my need for rest when
I am alone and quiet. I spend much of my work life listening and talking with people, which I enjoy very much. However, when the day is done, I need a little quiet time to myself. How much quiet time I need and how much time with other people my friend needs depend on how depleted we are in the moment. We all have different ways to meet our need for rest. The important thing is to notice when we need that time. You might know you need rest when you find yourself snapping at people on the phone,
when you snap at your cat, or when you ignore your partner. Rather than behave in ways that you might regret, consider doing something that will help you meet your need for rest. Everyone in your life will benefit. Be aware today of times when you have a need for rest, and do something to help you meet it.
The body does not lie - Martha Graham
If you would like to receive 366 free Peaceful Daily Meditations please sign up here. Your subscription is absolutely free, and you can unsubscribe from the series at any time.
We hope you find value in our monthly newsletters. We would love to receive ANY feedback or suggestions you may want to share. Please let others know about our newsletter to help spread NVC, if you are willing :)
