Peace Begins with Me – and You – NOW

I love the words of Sakyong Rinpoche: “Enlightened society is created one conversation at a time.”

I also deeply appreciate how Nonviolent (or Compassionate) Communication© inspires the shift in consciousness required to co-create enlightened interactions. And this beautiful movement of peace in our every conversation is possible for me – and for you – now!

In fact, on Tuesday, July 17th, from 7:00 to 9:00pm we will engage in building peace one conversation at a time – in a free workshop, “Peace Begins with Me.” To support this flowering within and without, we will employ the transformative 4-step process of Nonviolent Communication, or NVC, the masterwork of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. NVC is a spiritual practice that opens the heart, employing a concrete set of skills that facilitate peaceful connection. With these principles and practices we come home to what is authentic and vital in ourselves – and in each other.

The process of NVC helps us in learning the art of deep listening and skilful speech. On Tuesday you will get a taste of specific skills that unleash the power of conscious communication in your everyday interactions. For example, the fundamental skills for daily practice are:

1) Observing the facts without interference of reactive judgments

2) Tuning in to feelings rather than thoughts about an interaction

3) Becoming aware of genuine needs rather than conditioned wants

4) Making requests to meet needs instead of demands or complaints

This 4-step approach of NVC supports the intention to connect, releasing compassion and peace. This is the very process of transforming ourselves, our relationships, and our world. The empowerment arises in the focus on self-awareness. Then we can learn how to skilfully connect with each other in conversation, creating an enlightened society.

Peace is possible for me – and for you – in every moment!

Love and gratitude,

Barbara Wiebe