It doesn’t interest me if there is one God
or many gods.
I want to know if you belong or feel
abandoned.
If you know despair or can see it in others.
I want to know
if you are prepared to live in the world
with its harsh need
to change you. If you can look back
with firm eyes
saying this is where I stand. I want to know
if you know
how to melt into that fierce heat of living
falling toward
the center of your longing. I want to know
if you are willing
to live, day by day, with the consequence of love
and the bitter
unwanted passion of your sure defeat.
I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even
the gods speak of God.
Real fearlessness is the product of tenderness. It comes from letting the world tickle your heart, your raw and beautiful heart. You are willing to open up, without resistance or shyness, and face the world. You are willing to share your heart with others.
- Chogyam Trungpa, Shambala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior
Ask yourself a simple question: What is a good baby? If you have been raised in a Western culture, chances are you know the answer right away (whether or not you agree with it): A good baby is one that doesn’t cry! The training against vulnerability starts very early in life. more…
i’s an f…ing passive! wanna hear? if so, read ahead!
i was on the road today, driving my motorbike to pondy (town). while still in auroville (my village), i saw a tourist/foreign woman coming the other way, on her scooter. oh boy, her left boob just about falling out of her top! i had some thought like “oh my gosh, woman!” then, after a few seconds, i thought, “shit, i should go back and say something! but what am i gonna say? ‘um, excuse me, i’m sorry, i really want you to have your freedom and all, but your sticking-out-boob is just not appropriate here.’ and instead my jackals are going: “you idiot, you think this is goa? you think this is some white hippie resort? no! it’s not! we’re in the middle of rural india and that’s just not okay! can’t you see? don’t you realize?!” more…
My gosh, I just spent one of the best weeks of my life playing with Kay. In addition to a live demo mediation in our Town Hall, Kay shared 4 training days with about 50 people (half Aurovilians, half guests), some of whom had no prior NVC or Mediation experience, and others who have been learning and sharing NVC for a few years. My opinion? It was amazing!
But don’t believe me! Here’s some feedback from the participants…
“I feel blessed by this opportunity to get in contact with the idea of NVC. It is as if someone has opened a door in my heart to connect better with my feelings and needs. The workshop gave me some valuable inspiration on how I can help other people resolve their conflicts and overcome disconnected communication.” more…
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
—Aristotle
Nonviolent Communication as a Way of Life
People often ask me how to handle unexpected emotional outbursts, such as a spouse coming home angry, an irritable cashier, or any situation where we’re surprised by the kind of response we receive. In these situations, I rely on my Nonviolent Communication habits.
I practice this consciousness in easy situations so I can be ready to use it in challenging ones. If a friend calls me to share exciting news, I empathize by listening to her feelings and needs, to help meet both our needs for celebration. If someone calls me to express sadness, I empathize to meet my needs for connection and compassion. more…
Kay Rung, an NVC supporter and sexy NVC Mediator from Sweden, is coming to town!!! Wow!!! Jason casually invited him and Liv to come visit, and Kay accepted! He’ll be here for a week in Dec-Jan and will share NVC Mediation with our Mediation Study Group. Jason and I first met Kay in Poland, at the NVC Mediation training we were at in Oct. I was so inspired by his sincerity and his playfulness, and I really enjoyed watching how he lives and embodies NVC consciousness in his everyday interactions…
