Free Seminar: Compassionate Communication Introduction/Practice Gathering
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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.
This coming Saturday, we will cover the topic "Hearing a Message in a New Way." Some words from Dave about what to expect:
It happens so fast it feels like it's automatic. I hear criticism, and I blame the person criticizing me. It doesn't matter if it is a work colleague, an annoying neighbor, a family member, or a beloved friend: whatever it is they are complaining about is actually, most definitely and certainly, their fault. I was late, well they are the ones who are too uptight about being on time and need to lighten up. They are annoyed because I didn't like the joke they just told at work? Well, they should stop goofing off and act more professionally. These righteous feelings of anger, even rage, are an emotional rush, but can also feel like a burden. I walk around like one of those cartoon characters with an angry scribble over his head, resentful of all the unbelievable garbage I have to put up with every day.
If I'm honest however, I know that sometimes my critics manage to make it through my defenses. Sometimes I think they are right. I really am a failure because I can't show up on time. Or I am stuck up and too uptight and just make everyone around me nervous and anxious and suck all the fun out of life for them (and myself too). The emotional weight of this is difficult to bear too, for me it feels like a sadness that just weighs everything down and makes it hard for me to imagine feeling happy again.
Fortunately, there are other ways of responding to all the messages life throws at us, including criticism. Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication shows us practical tools for how to actually build our emotional awareness, and critically, our awareness of the underlying human needs that motivate our actions. This can open up space for us to choose how we want to respond, instead of being stuck in patterns that feel automatic and unchangeable.
If you've ever caught yourself judging someone else (or yourself), join us this Saturday to explore new ways to see these types of situations
-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 1 or 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. The leader(s) for this event will be Dave Carlton.
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
**Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) is not the host or organizer of this event. CLP does not support, sponsor, or represent this group or event.**