No matter our politics, we likely have strong opinions. Those opinions may feel as though they are getting in the way of true connection with the people (family and friends) in our lives who disagree with us. The heat has been turned up and that necessarily is not a bad thing because healthy discourse is essential for our growth to become a better version of ourselves.
Toxic positivity or negativity are the flip side of the same issue. Whether a person is dismissing someone’s thoughts or expressing rage and bullying, both are harmful and hurtful. They both deny a safe space to feel and process difficult emotions and make it difficult to authentically communicate.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was created by Marshall Rosenberg and is a communication technique to foster communication by expressing feelings and needs honestly while listening empathetically to others. Think of it as a bridge over a valley that helps us to cross over difficult topics to build healthier relationships by encouraging compassionate dialogue.
Feel free to jump ahead this week and dive into the principles of NVC or come back next week to learn more about it 😉. No matter where you are this week and who you are spending it with, I hope you will sit down and reflect on what brings you joy, peace, and comfort. I hope that by recognizing these things you will be drawn to more of it in the coming months. I don’t know about you but I need more joy, peace, and comfort. Do you?
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