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The Heart and Science of Empathy

Access this complete 5 session course Join Eric in journeying through the world of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) as he expands on the theories and tools from his book Meet Me In Hard-to-Love Places: The Heart and Science of Relationship Success. You'll discover why IPNB and NVC complement each other so well, especially in the powerful practice of Somatic-Based Resonant Empathy. Benefits...
Compassion

For both seasoned and new NVC aficionados, I think many would agree that the word ‘empathy’ typically becomes central to one’s understanding of what NVC is all about. One might even argue that empathy is itself synonymous with NVC. The beauty of this strong pairing is, of course, the wonderful capacity for one human being to listen to another human being in a manner that is likely to support...
How to Survive the Holidays

For many, spending time with relatives over the holidays may be challenging. In addition to the love and care we may feel, family gatherings can bring up old hurts or expose painful differences. How many family meals have been marred by tense silence or devolved into harsh argument? For me, learning to find balance, authenticity and care in my conversations with family members was a key turning...
Setting Goals for the New Year

Trainer Tip If we ourselves remain angry and then sing world peace, it has little meaning. First, our individual self must learn peace. This we can practice. Then we can teach the rest of the world. —The Dalai Lama What do you want to focus on this year? What are your goals, hopes and dreams? It’s important to make your goals concrete and specific. Don’t just say that you want to be happier;...
Making Demands

Trainer Tip "To practice nonviolence, first of all we must learn to deal peacefully with ourselves" —Thich Nhat Hanh When we ask something of a person and there will be negative repercussions if she doesn’t comply with our wish, we are actually making a demand. When we do this, she has only two possible responses: to rebel or to submit. Hard to believe? Consider what happens when you tell your...
Learning From Our Regrets

Trainer Tip Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. —Louis Pasteur Changing our focus from trying to win and be right to connecting is a paradigm shift. We are bound to make mistakes in the beginning, which may cause discomfort. Consider the times when you didn’t respond the way you wanted. How could you have handled that situation...
Making The Evolutionary Leap

Shared story has been a way for groups to unite in opposition to a common enemy. But more divergent and virulent beliefs/stories swirl through the internet, facilitating people to polarize against one another. So notice when you're caught in a polarizing story; try shifting focus to observing your mind; somatic presence; underlying commonality; consciousness as universal need, energy, and...
Empathic Listening Does Not Work Unless it is Empathic Listening

About 15 years ago I had regular interactions with an acquaintance of mine of whom I had lots of enemy images and judgements, and our interactions were not easy. Life moved on in a way that we nowadays barely meet briefly every few years, yet I still remember a piece of wisdom that he articulated then, and I only started to appreciate lately. In the midst of complex and emotionally charged...
In Robert's Words, A Journey of Gratitude

Robert's passion was in the spirituality of the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) process. He saw NVC both as a process that helps people connect more authentically with themselves and others, and as a spiritual practice and way of living. The worldwide NVC community mourned when Robert died in 2021. He left behind a legacy of work that emerged from a lifetime of inquiry into the intersection...
How Anger Can Help or Hinder

We can use anger as an important signal to let us know that we perceive a threat to a universal need or value, directing our attention to something so that we can take effective action, and avoid harmful thought patterns. For example, instead of dwelling on a "should," focus on addressing unmet needs through boundaries and effective communication. Anger is an important signaling system letting...