The road to anger and hatred is paved - the road to love is not paved"
Leymah Gbowee - Liberian peace activist and Noble Prize Laureat
Have you ever experienced a moment that touched you so deeply, it brought tears to your eyes? I recently had such an experience during a weekend workshop on Nonviolent Communication (NVC), also known as Compassionate Communication.
The workshop focused on the art of saying and hearing the word "no" in a way that is deeply connected to our needs and the needs of others. Little did I know, this topic would open doors to unexplored emotions and lead me on a profound journey of self-discovery.
As the workshop began, I found myself distracted by a recent conversation that had left me feeling distressed and full of grief. My mind was elsewhere until a participant bravely voiced a complaint, sparking a discussion on anger.
Initially, I questioned the validity of her complaint. However, I soon realized that she was courageously speaking her truth, which resonated deeply with me. Our trainer reminded us that expressing our pain is a gift, as holding onto it can turn into emotional poison.
What followed was a transformative dialogue between the two of us, facilitated by the group and our guide. It was a moment of catharsis, where we were able to express our pain and find relief.
When one participant quoted Lymha Gbowee’s statement at the workshop: “The road to anger and hatred is paved - the road to love is not paved", it struck a chord within me. It made me realize the importance of acknowledging and expressing our deepest emotions, without judgment.
Later, I had the opportunity to share a personal situation and was met with profound empathy and understanding. It felt as though someone had cleansed my emotional wounds, leaving me feeling lighter and more loving.
This experience had a tangible impact on my life. A phone call with my daughter afterward revealed a newfound lightness and love in my voice, a reflection of the emotional healing I had experienced.
I share this story to highlight the transformative power of empathetic listening and presence. It is my hope that by sharing my journey, I can connect others with the incredible teachers of NVC around the world, offering them the opportunity to experience this beauty for themselves.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you're interested in learning more about NVC or connecting with teachers, I'm here to help.
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