Hello,

I trust the summer has brought you the enjoyment of radiant sunshine and happy activities outdoors. Foster and I took advantage of my own ‘patio patisserie’ with friends and family, big garden salads, day-trips to enjoy farmers markets and much more. Below you can see photos of my flower garden before – and after – the hail of August 4th and 5th.

The highlight of my summer was an 8-day June retreat in San Francisco with the spiritual teacher, Rupert Spira, see photo below. In guided meditations and Q & A sessions, we explored the nature of our own experience. And, yes, knowingly experiencing the awareness of thinking, feeling and perceiving simplifies, clarifies and illuminates! See video below.

I continue to enjoy integrating and sharing Nonviolent Communication, NVC. As see it, the approach of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg’s NVC dovetails with the spiritual practice of self-inquiry, “Who am I?” In practicing NVC we investigate our beliefs – and the actual experience of our observations, feelings and needs (our inner guidance). This awareness liberates us from living as captives of the old storyline of how life ‘should’ be. We discover how it is that conditioned thinking brings suffering. And we open to living in the present moment of experiencing. This spells freedom! Fulfilment and contentment take the place of confusion, stress and suffering. Our actions fall in alignment with “our true nature of giving and receiving compassionately,” quoting Marshall Rosenberg.

I’m excited to let you know about the fall line-up of Conscious Communication events. Get a taste of life-changing communication practices, be supported in meeting everyday challenges, have the joy of contributing to a culture of empathy and connection. Together we can open the door to healing and harmony, freedom and fulfillment for ourselves and others, sanity on planet Earth!

Please consider these opportunities for you to fast-forward your personal growth. Be nourished in communication workshops and coaching for transformation. You can find more details, and flyers, regarding these events on my website, www.ConsciousCommunication.info

1. Communication for Trying Times – Tools for Transformation, a three-part series of workshops at Yoga & Meditation Centre in Marda Loop.
   Saturday afternoons, October 3rd, & 10th, and November 14th
   Learn how to resolve conflict, build understanding, trust and respect, transform yourself, your relationships and your life. The three sessions focus on:
   1) The Art of Authentic Self-expression
   2) The Art of Empathic Listening
   3) The Art of Parenting – Communication that connects
   http://www.yogamcc.com/#!workshops/cwwm or 403-251-9642.
    
2. Conscious Communication, a day-long workshop to explore practical ways to fine-tune your relational skills, how to bring mindfulness into all your interactions.
   Saturday, October 24th U of C, Continuing Education
   http://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=66837 or 403-220-2952.
    
3. Art of Empathy, a day-long workshop to empower your capacity for empathy. Be supported in making way for healing and harmony with communication that connects heart to heart. Are you discovering that criticism doesn’t work? Empathy does! Maximum 12 participants.
   Saturday, November 28th http://ArtofEmpathy.eventbrite.ca or 403-242-9747
    
4. Coaching for Transformation I have space for some additional clients this fall. Enjoy a sample free coaching session, find out how to dissolve mental loops that bring strife, struggle and suffering. You can create a life of meaning and purpose.
   http://www.consciouscommunication.info/coaching-for-transformation or 403-242-9747
    

Over a year ago I discovered the work of Rupert Spira, contemporary spiritual teacher, author of The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience. I love the wisdom and clarity in this 4-minute YouTube video, Right Conduct in Daily Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnMgruwHB5A

At workshops I sometimes share this short video of Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015) founder of Nonviolent Communication, NVC: An Introduction to Nonviolent Communication
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teyN3BJ4cFA

Here are some books by Marshall Rosenberg, books that I regard as very useful for fine-tuning our relational and communication skills:

 

Love,
Barbara

What would you like to see in 2015? Is there a gap between your deepest intentions and how you actually live?

Be supported in implementing the powerful tools and perspectives of NVC, Nonviolent Communication. The events below offer a variety of ways to learn how to live in full choice and deeper integrity with your values.

Save the dates for the 3rd Annual Alberta NVC Conference – Cultivating Compassion through Communication, coming up March 7-8, in Calgary. Enjoy multiple trainers, two days of concurrent sessions, practice skills, and have fun. Keep an eye out for updates here: https://www.facebook.com/albertanvc

Workshops and life coaching with Barbara Wiebe, BEd, CPC:

KEYS to CLARITY – NVC Practice Group
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:30pm, Feb-May

Practice, experience, and integrate the power of Nonviolent Communication – transform yourself, your relationships, your life!

  February 12 & 26: Intention – Open the door to mutual well-being
      March 12 & 26: Presence – Access your full resourcefulness
         April 16 & 30: Authenticity – Empower your innate humanity
          May 14 & 28: Action – Contribute to a future we all want
More details on www.ConsciousCommunication.info

“I just wanted to say thank you for putting on such an excellent course. NVC has truly changed my life, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to practice with you and the group.”
Amanda Kingsmith, participant in Keys to Clarity – NVC Practice Group.

 

HEART-to-HEART – Realizing Freedom and Fulfillment
Saturday, March 28th, 9:30am to 4:30pm

This interactive day-long workshop will focus on empowering our innate capacity to foster connection in daily interactions, how to transform reactivity into receptivity and openness. For more details about this day of going deeper with Conscious Communication visit www.ConsciousCommunication.info.

“I just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated your passion for NVC, Nonviolent Communication. I learned it from you and I have NEVER outgrown its utility. Thank you for being that champion.”  Carey M, workshop participant
“With passion and grace, she will guide you through the NVC process (Nonviolent Communication) in a way that moves and satisfies the soul. Well worth it!” Trevor T, workshop participant

COACHING for TRANSFORMATION

If you prefer private sessions, as an individual or a couple, consider coaching with certified life coach, Barbara, and create the life you want in 2015. More details on www.ConsciousCommunication.info.
“… a truly transformative experience working with you. Your presence and your methodology make a perfect container for growth to occur.” Sherene St. Cyr, client

“It continues to be a joy working with you on our journey to communicate with compassion. Your sessions are always heart-felt; we so benefit from your guidance and insight.” Kathleen O’Neill, client

Looking for a good read to help you fine-tune your communication skills? I love how this book, published in 2012, takes a fresh look at the model of NVC and its transformative power in establishing healthy relationships.
Connecting Across Differences: Finding Common Ground with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime, by Jane Marantz Connor PhD and Dian Killian PhD.

 

And, here’s a picture of my two-week adventure in La Manzanilla, Mexico, in December. Plus 32  degrees, sunny, humid and so very tropical…

Are you enjoying summer weather after the devastating snowfall? Here are some photos for you, a day before and a day after the unseasonal dump of snow, September 8th and 9th…
“Kiran, Mystic Girl in the City on Tour” author of Tools for Sanity will be in Calgary this month, September 26–28, 2014 Theme: Live Your True Nature in the World
Check out this video clip, “Authenticity, the Path to Freedom”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zjs2-Ddbwg

I’m very happy to have recently discovered, and to share
with you, the work of Rupert Spira, a contemporary spiritual teacher, author of The Transparency of Things: Contemplating the Nature of Experience. I especially love the wisdom and clarity in this YouTube video, 7 minutes,
“The Cause of Conflicts in Relationships”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZg3RmOYSU

Wishing you well this fall equinox and the entire autumn season.
Love,
Barbara

And finally, I’d love to share a very special 3-minute video clip on Compassionate Listening, where Thich Nhat Hanh brings clarity on the power of listening: “You listen with only one purpose. Help him or her to empty his heart. And if you remember that, you are helping him or her to suffer less.”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyUxYflkhzo