If I could use Nonviolent Communication every day in every conversation life would be beautiful. Unfortunately, I find myself struggling to use it in some of my more closer relationships. When I do use it, I feel closer and almost immediately see the other person being more compassionate as well. I love it! Learning NVC has allowed me to see that I tend to use demands often with my daughter, recognizing this has helped me be more compassionate and less demanding. NVC has also helped me to stop and think what the other person is needing before making any judgments. I am really enjoying this experience!

As I was jotting down a few things in preparation of our upcoming Compassionate Communication groups, I came across a quote in Rosenberg’s book that I missed the first time and thankfully caught this time.

“The Sufi poet Rumi wrote, Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”

Judgment, according to Rosenberg, alienates us from our natural state of compassion. The field, in my mind is a beautiful, loving, and peaceful place that I hope through Compassionate Communication am able to reach.

First week of internship First, I would like to say that I wish I would have spent my entire week at Kanawha Pastoral Counseling center; I love the warm and welcoming environment and people. Prior to my observation of a Non-Violent Communication (NVC) group, I was given and had the opportunity to read a portion of Rosenberg's book, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. I have enjoyed the book and learning about the NVC model. This, applying the model, is something that you want to learn and learn how to apply it "right now," because you know it could be beneficial in all areas of your life (with coworkers, friends, spouse, children, etc.). I had the opportunity to sit in on the NVC group that is held at the center at noon on Mondays. It was wonderful to meet one of the more dedicated participants of the group that believes in the effectiveness of the model. When you read something, you think, "Is this as great and effective as it sounds?" This gentleman answered that question with great enthusiasm. During the group things that I had read were discussed, concrete examples were given, and how to apply this model to difficult situations was more clearly explained. I am excited about learning more about NVC, and even though, I am a bit nervous about the requirements of my internship, I am also very excited about growing personally from the experience. -Bessie

Staying in a Difficult Dialogue:
Compassionate Conversations with Rosie Hefner and Trish Hatfield May 12, 2009 (10 PM - 4 PM) West Virginia Commission on National and Community Service Office, 710 Central Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia $70 (training materials, lunch, breaks) CEUs available. Registration limited to 20 but must have 6 to hold class. Keeping the conversation going when it gets emotionally difficult is a learned skill. Using the non-violent communication ideas of Marshall Rosenberg, this workshop creates th e opportunity to learn and practice a process that deepens connections with yourself and others. It increases the likelihood that we will hear our own and others' needs and express our requests in ways that increase the likelihood of beneficial outcomes.

Compassionate Communication at St John's March 18, 5:30-7:00pm

Subject: Compassionate Communication at St John's March 18, 5:30-7:00pm

Celebrating Our Differences:  Compassionate Communication

The Lenten Series Celebrating our Differences continues with Compassionate Communication, a model of relating with others as well as oneself – at the heart level. Learn the components of this model and begin to practice staying connected with what is alive in ourselves!

led by Diana Masso MA, LPC,parishioner and staff therapist at Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center.

St. John's Episcopal Church
Light supper available at 5:30

Children's program also available

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Sky Kershner, 304-346-9689 x13
Kanawha Pastoral Counseling
www.kpcc.com

CC in Feb and Mar 2009

Rosie Hefner and I will be co-leading a six week refresher series in Compassionate Communication using the NVC model at Christ Church United Methodist starting this Wednesday, Feb 4 through Wednesday, March, 11. We will be meeting in the Centrum, from 6:15 - 7:30. Please consider joining us for all or any part of the series!

Rev Sky Kershner
http://kpcc.com/cc-nvc.htm

CC at WV Insitute for Spirituality

KPCC's Sister Rose Ann Hefner (center) lead a weekend group in the Non-violent communication model at the WV Insitute for Spirituality.