So what’s up with communication? Why is this such an important issue? Have you ever been in a conversation with someone that demands you do this, or you must do that; and you’ve decided that this sort of experience is so unsatisfying for you that you decide to avoid them?
Perhaps your kids just won’t do what you tell them, even when it’s for their own good.
Maybe you’ve experienced times where you’re talking to someone and you’re feeling anxious when you witness the person you’re speaking with going on and on for some time and you have something to say but have great difficulty finding an opening.
Below is a life alienating response to the previous sentence
God, he's so arrogant. Like he thinks he knows everything. I wish he'd just shut up.
Below is an example of a response that could enrich your life by conveying what need is alive for you
Excuse me, I’m noticing that I’ve been listening to you for a while now and I’m starting to feel anxious. I’m having a need to contribute something to our conversation and I'm wonder if you would be interested in hearing my thoughts?
There are countless scenarios like this that arise in everyday life that require skill in communicating. I’m continually amazed at how applying the model of NVC or compassionate communication, has transformed the quality of peoples interactions due in part by identifying their unmet need in each interaction.
Everything we do as people is motivated by some need. Each need is different depending on the circumstances. So it is that life evolves and our needs are either met, or unmet. Each need that is met along the way serves our life in some way. NVC teaches us the value of staying connected to our needs and encourages a language that promotes connection with others while making requests to meet those needs.
Join me in an exploration of needs and discover how to communicate them compassionately. Tools for communicating compassionately can rebuild connections were potential conflict exist. Whatever the relationship or circumstance, the life serving energy of needs is the foundation that support us all.
