NVC Practice Group

The purpose of a practice group seems obvious - to practice in order to become proficient. The tricky part, for me, about NVC is that we are using English words, but we are speaking a foreign language. Foreign because it is not the norm or the habitual, so it takes conscious choice to change our habit to the new way, with which we are not yet comfortable. There may be stumbling and hesitancy, but for me, it is well worth the effort. I feel comfortable in my own skin and I am able to contribute right where I am by choosing to translate my own judgments (Marshall Rosenberg, the Founder of NVC, calls it "the Jackal show". I also call it "the story". Ever been aware that you have this inner dialog going on and you are going round and round in circles? I have and usually it is not fun. The way to interrupt the story is to look inward to see what is behind the story. What am I feeling? Usually my body can clue me in - tightness in my shoulders, restriction in my chest - some form of contraction. After I get in touch there, I move to asking myself - "what is important here to me?" "What is it I am yearning for?" For me, I am surprised the number of times it is trust - sometimes self trust, sometimes trust in others, but often just trusting in God or the Universe. I am grateful for the relief I often feel in this understanding. I also have a sense of peace and more willingness to trust in that moment just having named the need (or value). If you want to know more about Practice Groups and where you might find one in your area, send me an e-mail.