“Each and every conflict is nothing but a tragic expression of unmet needs.”
Maybe you’ve experienced moments of deep stillness, connectedness, and clarity in zazen. Maybe you’ve tapped into a mediative space where old patterns seem to dissolve, where divisiveness seems to disappear. And maybe you’ve also been pretty frustrated when reactivity reappears, often fast, in the day to day of your life, in environments that seem to be loaded with various triggers, demands, conflicts, and people who just don’t want to comply with what seems reasonable to you…
So, how can we create and maintain true heart-to-heart connections in the midst of the messiness that are our human relationships? How can we truly open up to other people, instead of secretly, semiconsciously expecting them to just meet our needs and preferences? How can we consciously feel our own needs, celebrate them as valuable expressions of our vitality—and allow others to do the same?
Non-violent (or mindful) communication (NVC) offers a tested, highly effective way that helps us bring clarity to our relationships, both the internal and external ones. In this introductory workshop, you can practice to:
let go of the thoughts, stories and judgments you may harbour about yourself and others
open up to the embodied experience of your own deep feelings and needs
honour other people’s feelings and needs simultaneously
transform conflict, nourish connection
feel and express your deep, joyful aliveness when needs are met
In our time together, we will find authentic ways of expressing and embodying mindful communication. There will be a few short lectures—and many invitations for playful practice, experimentation, and connection. We will familiarize ourselves with the four basic elements of mindful communication: observations, feelings, needs, requests. We will then proceed to take steps towards an embodied practice, towards our own authentic expression, which goes far beyond the mere application of techniques. Participants will have the opportunity (but are not required) to practice with an issue of their own, too. The workshop is designed to be both inclusive and trauma-sensitive, both a safe and a brave space.
Sascha Borrée is a Zen practitioner with MRZC and a mindfulness teacher. He is trained as a teacher in mindful, non-violent communication, mindful self-compassion, and a number of embodiment practices. He has taught various workshops and courses, among others at Zen centers in Germany. Currently, he is training to be a clinical counsellor in Vancouver, Canada. This workshop is offered as part of Sascha’s practicum for Adler University.
Times
Saturday: 10am-6pm (lunch break: 1-3 pm; includes a 45-minute “empathy walk”)
Sunday: 1.30-5.30 pm (with shorter breaks as needed)
Space is limited so please register soon!
Workshop fee $60 ($30 for those on limited income)
Register:
Select fee amount below.
