BayNVC - Bay Area Nonviolent Communication

Time: 6:45pm - 9:15pm
Description: Interested in communication tools that promote connection in times of conflict? Want to increase your capacity for clear expression and empathic listening? Longing for more inner peace and less struggle? Join this 8-week series to explore the basics of nonviolent communication, aka compassionate communication, and to have an opportunity to learn and practice it with a trained practitioner. Two books are required: Marshall Rosenberg's, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion, and Lucy Leu's, Nonviolent Communication Workbook - both available at a reduced cost at the first class. While there are no prerequisites to attend this class, we encourage you to attend an introductory workshop or read the first 8 chapters of Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg. We also welcome those with some prior knowledge of NVC who wish to experience a more structured learning of the fundamentals of NVC. Class format varies, and includes instruction, individual work, small group and large group practice. Most of the learning is experiential and draws on examples from participants lives. What Past Participants have said about this series: "The NVC Foundations I class has been an opportunity to make NVC [come] alive, and I have been able to deepen my practice and learn the initial steps for learning this new language. I have applied this knowledge in the groups I lead, my clients, my children and my family; and have seen relationships enriched because of it." "The practice sessions will give you a strong grounding in the basics of NVC. Don' t skimp on the homework. Don' t miss a single exercise. Every exercise has the ability to take you deeper into the practice and understanding of NVC. The work transforms at a very core level." "The Basics group has given me a transformative perspective on the possibility of shifting my allegiance from the violent, punishing model I tried to grow up in, to a world view I can breathe and be supported within as a real, honest expression of life force." "The class has been a critical support and inspiration to apply NVC in my life. The thoughts and experiences shared by the group members have helped me to deepen my learning and practice. Great sense of community."

Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Description: The quality of relationship we have with ourselves is foundational to everything else in our lives, including our capacity for true choice, for joy, for the quality of relationships we want with others, and for living in line with our values. Yet it is challenging for many of us to experience full self connection. When we try to work with our inner challenges, we often “ping pong” between conflicting voices or choices, self judgments, fears, and stories. We even “ping pong” between our own seemingly conflicting needs! Many of us use self-empathy for brief self connection, but we rarely, if ever, engage in a full process of inner dialogue, and rarely, if ever, meet all parts of ourselves with full compassion. No wonder it is challenging for so many of us to transform deeply ingrained habits and make changes in our lives! Join Inbal Kashtan in this highly experiential daylong workshop for experienced NVC practitioners to explore how Self Integration, an NVC process she developed while working through cancer, can support you with: * Taking full responsibility for your life * Understanding conflicting impulses within you * Making decisions * Changing habits * Welcoming internal contradictions * Transforming judgments, guilt and shame * Opening your heart to yourself with full compassion * Making peace with yourself * Loving yourself fully * Finding inner harmony * And more… Inbal began to share this process in April 2009. Here are some words from people who have already experienced this work: “Meaningful and self-connecting.” “Inbal's modeling of transparency, self-connection, presence, sharing knowledge and experience, and so much more was so inspiring -- writing it here seems utterly inadequate.” “I often struggle with different pulls in my life and tend to feel guilty in response. Doing an exercise with Inbal that put attention on the different voices/parts of me brought unexpected relief! To understand what was beneath the guilt and fully experience all of the voices was freeing and left me feeling empowered, filled with clarity, understanding and compassion and hopeful about the connections and relationships with the people involved.” “Using Inbal’s Self Integration process, I explored an issue that I have been struggling with for many years. I was able to connect deeply with conflicting parts of myself and to choose a course of action around my issue that held both of those parts of me with care and compassion.” “The Self Integration NVC work is an inspiring blend of compassion and rigor. I worked on my family of origin, and later that day, I experienced more relaxation with them than I ever thought possible -- spaciousness in the midst of numerous triggers, enjoyment of what was rather than focusing on what was missing, and an awareness of self-connection and compassion that I rarely can rest into with them. Now I have the ability to do this on my own - and unpack any other set of seemingly-opposing voices inside me so that they can work together rather than at odds with each other.”

Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Description: Do you want to increase your capacity to be present with other people? Would you like to free yourself from judgments and separation through embracing others’ humanity? Many of us were raised to judge, evaluate, and problem-solve. These habits interfere with our ability to be present and open our hearts to our fellow humans. This workshop invites you to stay focused on connection when others’ actions or reactions are challenging for you through overcoming the pull to disconnect and increasing your capacity to empathically understand others’ experience. In this class you’ll learn skills and practices to: * Hear your judgments of others as information about what matters to you * Connect with the intentions, needs, and dreams behind actions of others that you judge * Learn alternatives to sympathizing, fixing, or reassuring people in distress * Maintain heart-openness in the face of intense emotions This is one in a series of workshops with Miki Kashtan, certified CNVC trainer, author, and co-founder of Bay Area Nonviolent Communication and the North America NVC Leadership Program. Continuing Education Units are available for psychotherapists and registered nurses. (More information below.) You may register for some or all of the workshops. Each workshop stands on its own, and together they comprise a journey of self-discovery and inner alignment. click here for information about the other workshops in this series. Miki's engaging style and deep wisdom will inspire you and deepen your understanding of yourself and of human relationships. Each workshop will include interactive, experiential learning, both individually and in small and large group activities.

Do you want to increase your ability to embrace fully who you are and reach for life without attachment?
Would you like to expand your capacity to face and transform inner obstacles so you can have more choice?
Are you hoping you could keep your heart open to yourself and others more of the time?
Do you long to gain awareness of your inner experience and beliefs, and have the freedom to make choices that serve your deepest aspirations?

The Dancing in the Gap of Uncertainty workshops focus primarily on inner work. Along the way you are likely to notice where shame, guilt, fear, and anger block you from authentic living. As you become more conscious of your needs and habits, you might find yourself embracing vulnerability where previously you were afraid; experiencing more choice; increasing your willingness to rely on others for support and creating connections and community; taking responsibility for your actions and your life; and working for change where you want it with loving energy instead of anger. Although most BayNVC trainings are not recorded, these workshops will be taped and the materials gathered will be used (anonymously) for a book that Miki is writing with her sisters Inbal and Arnina about the topic of "Dancing in the Gap of Uncertainty." Each session will also be a mini-fundraiser to support the project of getting the book written. We will ask participants to contribute to BayNVC beyond the cost of the class if circumstances permit. Information related to Continuing Education Units Course Objectives: Upon completion of this training, all participants, including registered nurses and psychotherapists (such as MFTs or LCSWs) will be able to: a. Use enhanced skills for presence and empathic listening b. Experience more authentic connection with associates and clients c. Experience an increased capacity for empathy, based on the understanding of how human needs motivate actions. Training Provider: Bay Area Nonviolent Communication; Miki Kashtan CEU Provider: The Center for Nonviolent Communication Provider numbers: PCE 1993 (MFT/LCSW) and CEP 14273 (RN) This course meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Provider has also been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 14273, for 6 contact hours. The CEUs we can provide are recognized by California Boards (CA Board of Registered Nursing and CA Board of Behavioral Sciences). Boards in other states may or may not recognize these CEUs; however, it will be up to the training participant to check with their state's Board. CEU application packets will be available at the event. There is a separate processing fee of $5/unit for the first 6 CEUs, $2/unit for each subsequent CEU, paid separately, at the end of the event. ($30 for 6 CEUs) Refund policy: A complete refund is available for the contribution towards the course, less an optional requested $15 administrative fee to cover the cost to BayNVC of processing the refund. Co-Sponsorship This series is co-sponsored by the Seminary of the Street project of the First Congregational Church of Oakland. Driving and public transit directions will be provided upon registration. Free parking is available in the First Congregational Church of Oakland parking lot, and the workshop space is wheelchair accessible. The workshop will include a break for lunch, and there is a Whole Foods Market and Deli across the street from the church.

Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Description: Are you feeling lonely in your relationship? Struggling with persistent anger or judgments of yourself or your partner? Wondering why you’re having the same arguments over and over again? Longing to create new relationship habits? Or perhaps you’re content, but want to find a way to go even deeper to tap the full potential of your intimate relationship? Intimate relationships can bring out the best in us – and the worst; offer a refuge from life’s challenges – and present some of the greatest opportunities. In this daylong workshop we will explore how to use small and big challenges in your intimate relationship as opportunities to grow in courage for sharing your truth honestly – without blame; opening yourself to vulnerability – without losing power; and choosing compassion – without losing authenticity. Couples who are in a stable place can use the practices to deepen their connection and nurture themselves; those who are struggling can learn invaluable tools for addressing challenges. In this workshop, you will explore how to: * Understand the needs behind your own and your partner’s actions * Transform conflict into opportunities for building connection * Share your authentic experience in a way that your partner can fully hear * Transform blame into open-hearted curiosity * Move from defensiveness to powerful vulnerability * Build trust, goodwill, and intimacy * Move toward each other instead of apart when painful issues arise * Discover a quality of connection that can sustain your relationship through life’s challenges This workshop will be highly interactive with many experiential exercises. Give yourself and your partner the gift of a day focused on deepening trust, understanding, and connection. This program is for couples, but everyone is welcome to attend to work on intimate relationship issues. If you are not coming with a partner, we ask that you come with a friend. Although most BayNVC trainings are not recorded, this workshop will be taped and the materials gathered may be used (anonymously) for publications. You will have the choice to not be recorded. Inbal Kashtan has been living the practice she teaches with her partner since 1995, and sharing NVC for almost as long. A CNVC Certified Trainer and co-founder of BayNVC, she also co-directs the NVC Leadership Program and is the author of Parenting from Your Heart: Sharing the Gifts of Compassion, Connection, and Choice.