NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION: A LANGUAGE OF LIFE

What is Violent Communication? If 'violent' means acting in ways that result in hurt or harm, then much of how we communicate-judging others, bullying, having racial bias, blaming, finger pointing, discriminating, speaking without listening, criticizing others or ourselves, name-calling, reacting when angry, using political rhetoric, being defensive or judging who's 'good/bad' or what's 'right/wrong' with people-could indeed be called 'violent communication.' What is Nonviolent Communication? Nonviolent Communication is the integration of four things: Consciousness: a set of principles that support living a life of compassion, collaboration, courage, and authenticity Language: understanding how words contribute to connection or distance Communication: knowing how to ask for what we want, how to hear others even in disagreement, and how to move toward solutions that work for all Means of influence: sharing 'power with others' rather than using 'power over others' Nonviolent Communication serves our desire to do three things: Increase our ability to live with choice, meaning, and connection Connect empathically with self and others to have more satisfying relationships Sharing of resources so everyone is able to benefit