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.

This coming Saturday, we will cover the topic "An Introduction to Compassionate Communication"

Our hearts are heavy with grief, anger, and confusion at the news of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Frightful tragedies can produce a wide variety of responses within us. We may feel overwhelmed with many tasks to care for loved ones who were affected directly. Or perhaps, even though this happened right in our own city, we may feel a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness in the face of violence and cruelty. In all of this, Nonviolent Communication has something to teach us. I have found myself, in the face of tragedies both global and personal, guided by the question: "How can I bring compassion to this moment?" Letting that question, and the need to contribute compassion, guide my actions has been the star that I have navigated by when all else seems dark.

If you also want to build on your own learning about compassion, please join us this Saturday. The original workshop description is below:

These are difficult times. Conflict in our world, our nation, our communities, and our own lives can seem overwhelming. In my own sorrow, I've found myself asking: "Is compassion strong enough to overcome cruelty?" It's a frightening thought and I'm not sure we can say for certain. All we can do is grow our capacity for compassion: grow in our ability to show care for others and ourselves, and encourage others to do the same.

In this workshop, we will present an overview of one of the very strongest most reliable tools I have found for growing this capacity: Nonviolent Communication (also called Compassionate Communication) as developed by Marshall Rosenberg. We will review the origins and key influences, the centrality of intention and empathy, and the core mechanics (observation, feelings, needs, request). We will do an activity that allows you to begin to practice. The mechanics are fairly simple, but their daily practice continues to ask me to grow, to be both honest and kind in ways I previously hadn't thought possible. Come and join us on this journey on Saturday November 3rd.
-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 and/or Karen Sloan.

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