Jan 5-7, 2007
All wisdom traditions seek to foster compassion, living in the present, and open-hearted connection with others, but because our thinking and language operate in right/wrong, good/bad labeling, we become disconnected and lose our authenticity. This alienation from our authentic nature is the source of psychological and physical violence.
Nonviolent Communcation (NVC) helps us re-connect to ourselves and others in a way that inspires compassionate giving. Founded to connect us consciously to the basic living energy that is our essence, NVC is both a communication process and a spiritual practice. Living in relationship with others with authenticity, awareness, and choice is a transforming spiritual practice that can enable us to live with compassion and an open heart.
One dimension of NVC is the map, or language skills, we use to direct our intention and attention so we can experience connection. The other dimension is the process that connects us with another human being with honesty and without judgment, to be present to someone fully — in other words, to love unconditionally. As human beings, we yearn for compassionate connection, and this weekend we will learn to achieve this connection consistently and joyfully.
Robert Gonzales met Marshall Rosenberg and Nonviolent Communication in 1985, began teaching NVC in 1986, and earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1989. He has taught psychology, counseling, and communication at Prescott College and opened the Prescott Center for NVC in 2000. He is one of three assessors who certify trainers for NVC in North America. He is also one of a team of four NVC trainers of the NVC Training Institute, offering in depth and continuing NVC training in North America and Europe. His passion is the spirituality of NVC, which he sees both as a process that helps people to connect more authentically and as a spiritual practice and way of living.
“What inspires me the most with NVC is the beauty in people’s eyes as they transform emotional suffering into joy, freedom, and compassion. I see NVC as a way to bring compassionate living energy into life.”
— Robert Gonzales