Have you ever wondered if there was a way all people could live in peace?  Have you ever longed to reach a point of understanding with someone you care about when you find yourselves divided by disagreements or differences? Maybe you’ve longed to express what you really feel or what is important to you? Or, have you ever wanted to foster agreement with a group of people who were unable to agree with another group—especially when the disagreement became life-threatening?

If so, you may be interested in learning about Nonviolent Communication.

 What it is…..

Simply put, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a way of relating to ourselves and others, moment to moment, free of past reactions. By learning to identify your needs and express them powerfully, as well as to bring understanding to the needs of others, you can stay connected to what is alive in you and create a life that is more fulfilling.

If you have ever gotten angry and said or did something you regretted and felt powerless over your feelings, you may be surprised to learn this may not be the cause of your discontent. So what is the problem?

According to the teachings of Nonviolent Communication, the anger is our reaction to what we are telling ourselves (our STORY).  So, if we don't want to keep reciting "the story", what do we do?  Using the tools of Nonviolent Communication means responding with a simple 4 step procedure.  Rather than blaming or shaming, we want to say what is important to us in the service of connecting rather than convincing. The question to ourself is: do I want to build a case or do I want to build connection and then find a solution?

I became an instructor and conflict mediator using Nonviolent Communication skills because it helped me so much in my own life and in my relationships.  I am also enjoying the Committee Talk in my own head much more these days as I recognize"my story" for what it is and use it as a warning to get below the chatter and see what it is that is really important to me and express it without judgment or blame.

Want to learn more about Nonviolent Communication? 

Join me at one or all of the following events:

Sunday, 1-3 p.m. Video/Practice group.  One hour viewing Marshall Rosenber, founder of NVC, in a live training and one hour of practicing the tools of this simple 4 part process. Love offering.  No class Aug 1 & 8th.

Basic 4 week class, Tuesdays October 19, 26, Nov. 2 and 9th, 6:30-8:30 p.m., for those wanting a comprehensive curriculum and structured class environment to learn the tools and concepts of Nonviolent Communication. The learning is offered in exercises, role-plays and in-class practice as well as supported by reading material and weekly assignments of practice offerings. 

Retreat:  November 5-7th Communication that Connects.  Live in NVC community in a private retreat house complete with hot tub. Early bird special $375 if paid in full by September 15, 2010.

My telephone number is 707-542-6188, e-mail revdupcc@juno.com.

About Carol Chase

Carol is Sonoma County's Only Internationally Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) as well as Director of Youth & Family Ministries at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.  Carol not only offers NVC instruction to the public, but has helped create and offer classes in both Sonoma County Jail and San Quentin Prison.  Carol moved from Redding to Santa Rosa in 1999 to provide care for her elderly parents.  It was the transformation of her relationship with her mother that inspired her to want to share these tools with others as a way to heal pain and create a quality of connection she had only dreamed about.

Carol offers classes, counseling, coaching and conflict mediation to the general public.  She has offered the tools of Compassionate Communication (aka NVC) to many local schools, universities, hospitals, churchs, boards, families, individuals and private organizations.

By fostering the growth of communication based on NVC, first in ourselves, then with each other and eventually the world, Carol's vision is world peace.  Her interest is to put NVC principles into daily practice by offering training through workshops, practice and/or study groups, individual counseling and mediation.