Compassionate Connecting: Sunscreen Destroyer Ceremony

About Compassionate Connecting

"Compassionate Connecting" describes our intention to facilitate communication and contribute to deepening relationships between people, within groups and organizations through the practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) GiraffeSurfer@gmail.com

What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC)?
NVC is a form of language based on work by Marshall Rosenberg that is sometimes called compassionate communication. Its purpose is to strengthen our ability to inspire compassion from others and to respond compassionately to others and to ourselves. NVC guides us to reframe how we express ourselves and hear others by focusing on what we are observing, feeling, needing and requesting.

Surfing Metaphor
I like to use waves as a symbol for needs, and "Compassionate Connecting" is the surfboard. The challenge then becomes how to catch the wave so that we can all surf -- to connect and stay connected to others even as we identify our conflicting strategies. Once we each truly hear each others needs, finding mutually satisfying strategies is much more likely than before.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Sunscreen Destroyer Ceremony

Yesterday, Alex said he is frustrated with the sunscreen that I (his dad) apply to his face and body every morning -- I'm guessing he's annoyed and wanting more comfort and autonomy. I want to contribute to his long-term health. This video shows how empathy can be helped by action. Alex decided he wanted to mark up a bottle of sunscreen, and run it over with my car a few times. It was fun!