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."