"When we combine observation with evaluation, we decrease the likelihood that others will hear our intended message."

~ Marshall B. Rosenberg

The very first step of the NVC process (the one that comes after understanding and establishing our intentions), is Observations - i.e. the capacity to distinguish between our evaluations and what we are seeing with our eyes, and hearing with our ears (or what we remember seeing and hearing). 

Why is this important?

When we judge or label ourselves and others - and "lazy", "stupid", "ignorant", "wrong" - we stand to lose connection, because it instantaneuously puts the other on the defensive, because it costs us connection, because it leads to a loss of hope, becase the evaluation is almost a sentence: if I'm lazy now, I will always be seen as lazy. Sometimes, we live with the weight of judgements - internal and external - for decades.

On the other hand, when we are able to name specific behaviours, within a time and context, it leaves room for the humanness behind those actions or words. The conversation may go very differently, if I were to say, "I'm noticing you have not been able to complete your deadline." 

The capacity to move separate evaluations from observations is the capacity to use language for engaging with our world as a dynamic, changing, multi-dimensional, nuanced, and complex system, rather than a world compartmentalised into right/wrong, good/bad, should/should not. Growing this capacity also grows our capacity for relationality and connection.

Join us for this workshop about the first step in the NVC process: Observations, an interactive workshop to understand, practice, and explore questions together!

This workshop will be followed by workshops on Feelings & Needs (April 23 and 30), with Ranjitha Jeurkar, and Requests (May 14 and 21), with Samuel Odhiambo. You do not have to attend one to attend the other, and we highly encourage you to do so, to get a fuller picture!

About the Facilitator

Manasi Saxena (Certified Trainer & Board Member, CNVC; Founder, enCOMPASSion) is a learning facilitator whose focus lies around the intersection of spiritual/personal growth and social change/community development. Her passion is to bring what she has learned on the field engaging with emergency relief services and community development to her NVC workshops. Her core focus is to work closely with individuals and communities who are interested in making a social impact in big and little ways, with a vision of moving towards a paradigm of sustainability, collaboration, and resilience through community-driven social change.