Introduction to Conscious Communication
Join us for a three-part introductory series
Join us online for a three-part series that will introduce you to the foundations of Conscious Communication and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Each session will be offered twice and you are welcome to join us as often as you’d like.
While the greatest benefit may be had by participating in all four sessions, you are not obligated to do so. Advance registration is not required. These sessions are a great way to experience a “taste” of Conscious Communication.
Who is this series for?
- People who are new to Conscious Communication or Nonviolent Communication
- People who would like a refresher and those who would like to participate with others to deepen the learning
What is our intention?
- To share the experience of what it feels like to communicate using the principles of Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication, on which these exercises are based
- To invite you to join our community of practice for further study, using Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication as our text
We hope this introductory program will give you enough of a taste of this process to decide if you would like to continue exploring this practice. If you would like to continue learning and practicing these skills with us, please subscribe to our mailing list.
Each session meets 7–9 p.m. CST, with an optional technology check and orientation to Zoom at 6:45 p.m. Check this web page before each session to view or download the session handouts.
Sessions
Part 1: Empathy Poker
Wednesday, September 16 or Tuesday, September 22
7–9 p.m. Central Time (CST)
- Define feelings and needs using NVC principles.
- Differentiate thoughts from feelings and strategies from needs.
- Experience communicating with needs-based language.
Part 2: Giving from the Heart to Oneself
Wednesday, September 23 or Tuesday, September 29
7–9 p.m. Central Time (CST)
- Define feelings and needs using NVC principles.
- Differentiate thoughts from feelings and strategies from needs.
- Experience communicating with needs-based language.
Part 3: Thoughts Get in the Way
Wednesday, September 30 or Tuesday, October 7
7–9 p.m. Central Time (CST)
- Develop awareness that your thoughts are not you.
- Experience the power of translating thoughts into feelings and needs.
Book Launch
The Spiritual Path of Nonviolent Communication
Living with Compassion, Connection & Understanding
by Robert Gonzales
On sale April 28, 2026
Paperback | $21.95 US / $28.95 CAN
Page count: 172
Audiobook also available
Shambhala Publications, Inc. | Shambhala.com
How to Order
Order the book through Shambhala.com.
The Spiritual Path of Nonviolent Communication can also be purchased at selected retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bookshop, and local independent bookstores.
About the Book
In this book, based on a series of talks and published posthumously, Gonzales introduces basic, foundational concepts of NVC—observation, feelings, needs, and requests—and then illuminates how they can lead to compassion—and ultimately a transcendent sense of connection with others. This sense of spirit manifests as the needs, longings, and values underlying whatever we hear or say, and it can be experienced in every moment and during every conversation. Gonzales shows that by expressing what is most important to us (our passion) and listening for the essence of what others express, no matter what words they use (compassion), we embody the Divine.
Gonzales addresses anger, fear, grief, and impermanence, pointing out that choices are always present for us to embrace or resist life. Each chapter includes exercises—to do alone or with a partner—to directly embody the concepts of spirituality that Gonzales introduces, showing simple and practical ways to access the Divine right here, right now.
About Robert Gonzales
Robert Gonzales was a core teacher to many of us who founded the Greater Madison Conscious Communication Community of Practice.
Robert Gonzales’s work of Living Compassion emerged from more than 30 years of teaching Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and a lifetime of inquiry into the intersection between spirituality and human communication. His influences included Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, Stephen R. Schwartz, and other spiritual teachers. Gonzales received a PhD in clinical psychology in 1989 and practiced for many years. He began teaching NVC in 1986.