Holiday Empathy
Whether you are alone or surrounded by others, the holidays can be triggering.
Many of us bring expectations to the holidays that don’t match up with reality. We’re told that our holiday should be made up of magical moments of joy, fun, and connection. While we may cherish the traditions observed in our particular culture, they can also evoke feelings of sadness, frustration, envy, or exhaustion.
At this time of year—whether you celebrate the holidays or not—you may find yourself experiencing disappointment, resentment, loneliness, grief, or a lack of connection with those around you. This is an opportunity to use our NVC practice. How can we make the best use of this time of year to meet our own needs.
In this session, we’ll explore what might make the holiday season better for you. You may discover longings such as:
- Rest or ease
- Freedom
- Connection
- To be heard or seen for who you are
- Privacy or space
- Mourning
- Choice
- Fun and play
How to prepare for this session:
- Print or have ready: Worksheet: Holiday Empathy
- Print or have ready: Feelings and Needs chart
How to Join Us Using Zoom
Three ways to join:
- Click on: Join Zoom Meeting
- Click on: http://zoom.us (Meeting ID 605-813-6586)
- One tap mobile:
+13017158592, 6058136586# US (Germantown)
+13126266799, 6058136586# US (Chicago)
Sign in early (at 6:45 pm) to familiarize yourself with the basic functions of Zoom. You may have to download Zoom in order to enter the meeting. If the “join meeting” button doesn’t work, look below it for a link to download.
Introduction to Conscious Communication
A Four-Part Introductory Series
September – October 2022
Join us online for a four-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 (NVC)
- People who would like a refresher and those who would like to practice 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 email list.
The Four Parts
Each session meets 7–9 p.m. CST, with an optional technology check and orientation to Zoom at 6:45 p.m.
Part 1: Empathy Poker
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7–9 p.m. CST
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7–9 p.m. CST
- Define feelings and needs using NVC principles.
- Differentiate thoughts from feelings and strategies from needs.
- Experience communicating with needs-based language.
How to prepare for this session:
- Print or have ready: Intro to Conscious Communication Part 1: Empathy Poker
- Print or have ready: Feelings and Needs chart
- Bring some paper and a marker to write with
Part 2: Take Back Your Power: How to Never Be Insulted Again
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7–9 p.m. CST
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7–9 p.m. CST
- Notice the difference between what someone says or does and your thoughts about it.
- Use the “four ways of hearing” to identify universal human needs behind things that set you off.
How to prepare for this session:
- Print or have ready: Intro to Conscious Communication Part 2: Four Ways of Hearing
- Print or have ready: Feelings and Needs chart
Part 3: Thoughts Get in the Way
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7–9 p.m. CST
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7–9 p.m. CST
- Acquire awareness that your thoughts are NOT you.
- Translate thoughts into feelings and needs.
How to prepare for this session:
- Print or have ready: Intro to Conscious Communication Part 3: Thoughts Get in the Way
- Print or have ready: Feelings and Needs chart
- Bring some paper and a marker to write with
Part 4: Working with “Enemy” or Fixed Images
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7–9 p.m. CST
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7–9 p.m. CST
- Use embodied practice with few words to identify and release difficult or repetitive patterns in a relationship.
How to prepare for this session:
- Print or have ready: Intro Part 4: Aspects of Conscious Communication
- Print or have ready: Intro Part 4: Embodied Image Exercise with Facilitation Notes
How to Join These Sessions Using Zoom
Three ways to join:
- Click on: Join Zoom Meeting
- Click on: http://zoom.us (Meeting ID 605-813-6586)
- One tap mobile:
+13017158592, 6058136586# US (Germantown)
+13126266799, 6058136586# US (Chicago)
Sign in early (at 6:45 pm) to familiarize yourself with the basic functions of Zoom. You may have to download Zoom in order to enter the meeting. If the “join meeting” button doesn’t work, look below it for a link to download.