Transforming Communication Habits for Deeper Holiday Connection

Presented by Em Hammond, CNVC Trainer Candidate

It's the time of year when we crave connection – whether with families of origin, chosen family, or old friends – yet our time-worn communication habits in these relationships can also hinder the very closeness we seek. Sometimes, our sense that we “know” someone can block our curiosity and prevent an even deeper relationship. Other times, when we share something with a loved one and receive a response that’s not grounded in empathy, we leave the interaction disappointed, with a deep longing to be seen.

In this interactive and practice-oriented session, we’ll dig into our long-conditioned communication habits and develop personalized strategies for showing up differently at those holiday get-togethers. We’ll practice using NVC strategies as listeners to stay present, focused on our intent to connect, and resistant to our own habitual patterns of response. As speakers, we’ll develop NVC-grounded options for making requests that invite more connection when we hear responses that don’t quite land. This session will include lots of empathy for all and a dose of fun to support participants as they look for deeper connections over the holidays.

More Information

This event occurs monthly on a Sunday to support Nonviolent communication (NVC) understanding and practice.

We welcome new participants at any level. It’s fun when a ‘newbie’ comes and we, ‘newbies’ not so long ago, suddenly see that we’ve learned something important we can pass on, at the same time deepening our understanding of new contexts. If you're already skilled in NVC, we would enjoy sharing support and companionship.

$$ info: The requested fee is $20-$40 per person. Please don't let the cost keep you from coming. Click here if money is keeping you from attending. Sustainability is important to us but contribution even more so, which we can't do unless you show up! For more information call Barbra at 410 499 1986 or email (deleting spaces): Qi of NVC @gmail.com

Emily (“Em”) Hammond is a CNVC Trainer Candidate and a law professor whose work focuses on participation in government decisionmaking, environmental protection, climate change, and environmental and climate justice. Em has found NVC to be transformative--personally, interpersonally, and in framing a vision for how to contribute to a world that is more peaceful, just, and sustainable. Whether supporting others’ journeys or engaging in advocacy work, Em is committed to cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and resilience in service of that vision.

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