Life Support Book Group: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

Welcome to the Life Support Book Group! A space dedicated to the most important connection you will ever have: the one with yourself.

We will meet in Conference Room at Marmalade Library (right at the top of the stairs on the south side of the building). Due to limited parking, plan to use the complimentary parking lot behind the LDS Church located across the street to the south of the library at 225 W 500 N.

We will kick off our group with the formative book: “Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life” by Marshall Rosenberg. In our first meeting we will discuss the forward written by Dr. Deepak Chopra.

In his analysis of the book, Dr. Chopra proposes that “all stories lead to conflict” and “the only way to resolve all violence is to give up your story.” He writes, “Gazing on a world rife with war and violence, where us-versus-them is the norm, and where countries can break all bonds of civilized existence to commit unbearable atrocities” a new value system is needed. “In his vision of a new value system, conflicts are resolved without the usual frustrating compromises. Instead, the contending parties approach each other with respect. They ask about each other’s needs, and in an atmosphere free of passions and prejudices, they reach connection.”

Let’s talk about the roots of war and violence within ourselves, our close relationships, and our communities. How have our value systems, self-created identities, and stories contributed to division? Can focusing on connection and understanding promote peace and collaboration? Let’s also get to know each other and have some fun!

Life Support Group Mission
We believe that true healing and healthy external relationships begin with internal self-understanding. Our goal is to bridge the gap between psychological theory and daily practice. By exploring the depths of psychology together, we aim to cultivate radical self-love and build a supportive community of friends who are all committed to growing alongside one another.

How We Study
To ensure we truly integrate these novel concepts, we will move with intention. Rather than rushing through a book a month, we meet often to discuss a single chapter. This slow-growth approach allows us to:

• Deepen Understanding: Fully digest complex psychological concepts.
• Practice in Real-Time: Apply the principles we learn and report back.
• Build Connection: Develop lasting friendships through consistent, vulnerable, and meaningful dialogue.

What We Read
Our reading list focuses on authoritative texts in:

• Developmental and Behavioral Psychology
• Compassionate Communication
• Attachment Theory and Relationship Dynamics
• Self-Compassion and Mindfulness
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Shadow Work
• Codependency and Recovery

Whether you're looking to heal, understand your patterns, join a peer to peer support group, or simply discuss life in all its absurdity with other psychology nerds, there’s a seat for you at our table. Let’s learn, lean on each other, and grow—one chapter at a time.