Monday, February 2, 2009

What my Sunday Study/Support Group is Working On


Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg


The objective of NVC is to establish a relationship based on honesty and empathy.

"Clear and accurate knowledge of how our words and actions affect others is a major resource for personal growth and the ability to communicate effectively. NVC stresses taking responsibility for one's own feelings as well as actions."


Here are the principles in synopsis:


  • All our actions are based on human needs we're trying to meet.

  • Determine how we feel in relation to the concrete actions we observe.

  • What are the needs, values, and desires that create our feelings?

  • Learning to clearly express how we feel without blaming or criticizing and receive how others feel without hearing blame or criticism.

  • Reaching beneath the surface and discovering what is alive and vital within us.

  • Take joy in the well-being of ourselves and the well-being of others.

Conflict Reminders:



  1. Slow down. Slow down again.

  2. Ground yourself in present moment feelings.

  3. Focus on empathy and connection.

  4. Ask for help ( "Would you be willing...?)

  5. Continue to empathize until everyone affirms that their feelings and needs have been understood.

  6. Only then, explore solutions.

  7. Celebrate our peacemaking.

Self:


"When critical self-concepts prevent us from seeing the beauty in ourselves, we lose connection with the divine energy that is our source."