We Communicate Nonviolently

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Another round of NVC has finished at CoHo.

As has been done before, another round of nonviolent communication (NVC) has been completed at CoHo. New owners were included, as well as some people outside of our community and even some that have been through NVC training before. NVC is a collection of simple, effective steps and techniques which help create and support connection, cooperation and satisfaction.

NVC 2nd edition book cover

Why do we train and practice with NVC?

Because it works! Marshall Rosenberg knew that humans really don't want to be violent. NVC allows us to:

  1. observe what's happening;
  2. figure out what we're feeling;
  3. determine what we need;
  4. make requests so that we can ultimately feel good and be satisfied.

The_Inner_World_of_OFNR_(NVC)

So what's unique about NVC? We all have feelings and needs.

NVC gives us the tools to go deeper when figuring out our needs and the needs of others. Notice the emphasis there. We all have feelings and needs, but NVC is not about being selfish. It takes a good amount of energy to truly listen and find out what's going on with other people, but it's less energy needed than just trying to force our own behaviors or ideals.

It's also about owning up to your feelings. No one is forcing you to be upset or confused. It's just up to you to figure out how to deal with your emotions and NVC is a great tool.

Practice, practice, practice.

It takes practice if you want to be good at NVC. Just like anything else. CoHo has ongoing practice sessions, and if you are interested then please contact us. The best part of NVC is learning what is truly a feeling or need, but sometimes it's easier to practice with a group and meet others who have had some training.

Check out Marshall Rosenberg in action.

Posted in Community, Facilitation, Nonviolent Communication and tagged , , .