Spring, 2014 (3/26,4/2, 4/9, no class on 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21) Please note: The above dates are WEDNESDAYS!
The first class will begin at 7:15 and will not include dinner. All other classes will begin at 6:30 and will begin with dinner. This class will be limited to sixteen participants.
This 8-week course will introduce the language and consciousness of Nonviolent Communication, a powerful process that has been used around the world to strengthen persons’ ability to speak authentically and listen compassionately to others’ needs in any situation. Developing these principles and practices can dramatically improve our relationships, whether with our families, our communities or our workplaces.
Each session will present key NVC concepts and practices for increasing our understanding and compassion for ourselves and for each other, and for engaging in honest and connecting dialogues.
Each session will also include active engagement with these concepts through a wide range of experiential activities, including guided meditations, practical exercises, small group work, and role plays based on familiar situations in our lives. There will be plenty of space for sharing our experiences, questions, concerns, growing edges, and successes.
Topics that will be covered include:
* The four basic components of NVC: Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests
* Being clear: “What is my INTENTION for this Conversation?”
* Our thoughts and judgments: the roles they play, for better or worse
* Self-Empathy: understanding our own needs in any situation
* Empathic Listening: the quality of our Presence * Authentically sharing what we really want
* Putting it all together: the Dance of Connection
* Conflict: an opportunity for intimacy
Shelley Marcus is a long-time member of the Church of the Saviour. She has served on the Servant Leadership Team at Seekers Church, and more recently was President of the Potter’s House Church Board. She has studied and taught Nonviolent Communication widely for over eight years, and seeks to combine its practical approaches toward growing compassion with the practices of her Christian spiritual journey.