All CoHo neighbors (owners AND renters) commit to learning and using non-violent communication (NVC), also known as compassionate communication. NVC is a collection of simple, effective steps and techniques which help create and support connection, cooperation and satisfaction.
Using a fishbowl format at a recent community meeting, folks shared their experiences with a variety of NVC training sessions held at CoHo.
Some highlights—
- Workshop helped shift me out of just “practicing the formula” and into deeper intent
- NVC has been helpful in teaching our kids how to check in with each other
- Hearing people use NVC more fluently (“street giraffe”*) at advanced courses is helpful
- Workshop was particularly powerful in working through a family issue
- NVC is a life approach and it’s possible to live with a focus on compassionate communication
- NVC is useful in my work as a framework and as a specific tool
- Basic class with two teachers was really good
- Hearing how people are using NVC is helpful for me right now (after just completing the basic course)
- Our daughter and her college friends will be taking an NVC class before sharing a house next year–a big step from her initial reaction in the days we were just learning NVC
- Powerful experience to co teach NVC with a neighbor
The NVC team will be proposing more training opportunities in the future.
*NVC is sometimes described as “the language of the heart.” The giraffe was selected as a symbol of compassionate communication because it is has the largest heart of any land animal. The giraffe’s long neck provides a far-reaching, overall perspective and also suggests a willingness to “stick your neck out” and take risks.