"Compassionate Conversations,”
Spiritual Practice that's accessible to all regardless of theological belief
When I was in Junior High, I discovered audiotapes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in the library. His assertion of inherent worth struck me as true and powerful. I became a student of satyagraha, or nonviolence.
In 2004, I saw a dvd of Marshal Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication." (NVC) I was struck by the truth and transformative potential of his words. I set out to achieve competency in the practice he described. I have grown in my capacity to transform pain into connection and reconciliation. I've grown in my abilty to enjoy life and bring peace into the world. I have gained skills for mediating conflicts that inevitably arise in communities and relationships.
In UU congregations, the work has been called "Compassionate Communication (CC). UUs have found that CC helps us develop skills to embody our faith. It helps us to reach across theological diversity and other things that divide us in order to unite upon shared values.
The “Compassionate Conversations” classes that I lead are based upon NVC, and also draw upon the liberation spirituality work I've done since graduating seminary in 89. They emphasize UU spirituality and make use of music, poetry and play. They are highly experiential.
What is the practice of Compassionate Communication?"
We strive to make heart felt connections with people; and to form supportive and cooperative relationships. We achieve this by:
- connecting with living energy that moves in us and everyone else.
- gaining awareness of what gets in the way of natural giving and receiving.
- communicating effectively with compassion and honesty.
- gaining skills to focus on observations, feelings, needs and requests
- reframing how we express ourselves, and how we hear others.
- making specific requests for what we imagine will contribute to making life more wonderful
- strengthening our ability to inspire compassion from others and respond compassionately to others and ourselves.;
- resolving conflicts by focusing our consciousness on what we and they are observing, feeling, needing, and requesting.
- avoiding diagnostic language or language that labels or defines others in negative ways
- making specific requests for what we imagine will contribute to making life more wonderful for us and others.
If you want more information about NVC or CC:
1- check out http://www.uuspeakpeace.org/web/
2-, check out http://www.cnvc.org or http://www.nvcacademy.org.
3- Rosenberg's book is available at the church bookstore for purchase for $16.
4- Here are some short videos from youtube. I hope the introduction they offer will be useful to you.
What Our World Needs: NVC & Obama's Call for Empathy (10min)
Jim & Jori Manske Nonviolent Communication: Fulfilling the Need to Contribute (7min)
Compassionate Leadership Training (2min18sec)
Speaking Peace Video 2006, BayNVC (7min. 37 sec)
Speaking Peace 2008: What the world needs...(7min. 36sec.)
Nonviolent Communication Part 1 Marshall Rosenberg (9min35sec)
Parenting with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) (8min15sec)
I'm grateful for opportunities to teach and lead CC classes and workshops as it supports my own learning tremendously. Also for the support and community of others practicing CC.
Sincerely,
Phil