Free Seminar: Compassionate Communication Introduction/Practi­ce Gathering

FRANK (BIG KAHUNA) THE ADMIN: This class from when it has been posted before this has gotten major praise from our members, it's worth doing.

Free Seminar: Compassionate Communication Introduction/Practi­­ce Gathering Please join us as we learn about and practice Compassionate Communication (also known as Non-Violent Communication or NVC) skills in a safe, nonjudgmental and open environment. Compassionate Communication is a communication process that allows individuals to connect by understanding feelings and unmet needs that underlie behavior. The emphasis in this approach is on empathy and connection through compassion; the method to learn the skills involves concrete activities and practice.

Our theme for July is Saying No with Compassion. Some words from Dave about what to expect:

I'm delighted to share that this month we will have guest leaders Dena and Sarah while I am away for my daughter's birthday.

I think we've all been here at some point: a social situation gets awkward. It could be family, friends, work, or volunteering, but someone says something that gives you that uncomfortable feeling where your skin starts to crawl. You start to wonder, do I say something? or do I try to ignore it and hope it will pass?

I'm someone who usually worries about making waves and rocking the boat, so in these moments I will often choose to ignore it, or seek support from an outside person. While there's nothing wrong with this per se, I've learned that my silence comes at a cost. People don't get the feedback about what I was feeling. They continue to carry on ignorant of my concerns (and my resentments only grow).

It's not that I have to speak up in each and every one of these situations, but I'd like speaking up to be a tool in my toolbox that I feel more comfortable using. So the workshop this Saturday is a chance to practice. Join us on July 5th from 1-3pm. We'll take some time for you to explore these questions individually, speak with an empathic listening partner, and then share together as a group.

-Dave Carlton

This is a free gathering that meets every 1st Saturday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at the Homewood library, Meeting Room 2. No prior experience with NVC is required.

This event is an effort of Compassionate Pittsburgh, whose mission is to grow a community of individuals practicing NVC in order to improve our city.

Please join us! If not this Saturday, then one in the near future!

For further information:
https://compassionatepittsburgh.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonviolent_Communication