Nonviolent communication as a practical spirituality that begins with us.
Many of us long for a richer and more meaningful connection with the Divine, and at the same time we struggle to apply our faith’s precepts, such as turning the other cheek, avoiding judgment, or loving our enemy.
According to Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D., our primary spiritual need is to contribute to the well-being of others and ourselves. It inspires us not only to connect with the Divine in ourselves and others, but to begin creating a world of empathy and compassion where the language we use is the key to enriching life. Discover an intensely satisfying and joyful spiritual experience that begins with you. Learn how NB can help you achieve a more practical, adaptable spirituality.
Mr. Rosenberg shares how:
- Moving beyond judgmental thoughts, words or actions;
- Strengthen the connection between your actions and spiritual values;
- Take care of your own needs as the first step towards compassion for others;
- Overcome the conditioning that blocks empathy and promotes violence;
- Connect with others from a place of Divine Energy.
Nonviolent communication is a powerful process that promotes compassionate communication and action. NB training can help facilitate effective communication and prevent conflict by helping everyone meet their own needs. This practical process applies equally to education, business and industry, social services, political conflicts, and family and personal relationships.
NB is based on the following assumptions:
- The needs are universal; we all have the same needs;
- Every moment we try to meet your needs in the best way we know how;
- Our feelings depend on whether our needs are met or not;
- Violence is a tragic expression of unsatisfied needs;
- Respect and empathy are the foundation of connection;
- Connection is a vital source of our well-being.
NB mokymas:
- Emphasis on honesty and empathy as a foundation for connection and respectful collaboration.
- Showing how language and attitude contribute to connections and good relationships.
- Figuring out what language is often leads to misunderstanding, resistance and conflict.
- Development and strengthening of communication and conflict resolution skills.
Understanding needs
NB is characterized by the perception of needs – that human needs are universally shared. When we meet at the level of needs, we can create a connection that fosters genuine and mutual respect. Words that describe needs: Belonging, acceptance, inclusion, community, understanding, support, appreciation, connection, care, respect, reciprocity; Autonomy, authenticity, freedom, integrity, presence, self-esteem, spontaneity; Creativity, inspiration, achievement, fun, development, discovery; Meaning, celebration, contribution, clarity, feedback, learning, mourning; Well-being, health, movement, nutrition, rest, touch, safety, order, safety.
Our feelings are signals that tell us whether our needs are being met or not.
There are several feelings when our needs are met, examples are: calm, comfortable, curious, free, eager, happy, hopeful, inspired, proud, relieved, rested, gentle, grateful, touched, safe, strong, warm… feelings when our need unhappy: angry, annoyed, confused, disappointed, desperate, hurt, lonely, restless, sad, scared, stressed, tired, distrustful, worried.
The NB process is based on the following 4 aspects:
The NB process is based on the following 4 aspects:
- State your observations without judgment, judgment or blame;
- Separate thoughts from feelings;
- To express what we need or want;
- Make your requests, not demands.
NB background
NB was created by Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015), Ph.D. He explored why we, a people who seem to value friendship, caring and peace so much, create so much violence and conflict. Rosenberg says we have a “language problem” because from the beginning we have been taught and raised in a language that teaches us to analyze and blame, diverting us from our own needs. The purpose of NB is to cultivate conscious speaking so that we can articulate and listen to what really matters.
The Center for Nonviolent Communication (NBC) is an international organization whose vision is a world where all people meet their needs and resolve conflicts peacefully. According to this vision, people use NB to create and participate in networks of global economic, educational, health care and justice systems. Our mission is to contribute to this vision by facilitating the creation of life-giving systems within ourselves, our interpersonal relationships, and our organizations.
NB training is now offered to the world by a team of over 700 certified trainers from over 60 countries, supported by thousands of dedicated volunteers who help organize workshops, participate in practice groups, coordinate team building and community.