We need empathy to give empathy. When we sense ourselves being defensive or unable to empathize, we need to (a) stop, breathe, give ourselves empathy, (b) scream nonviolently, or (c) take time out.

The key to fostering connection in the face of a 'no' is always hearing 'yes' to something else.

In NVC, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests.

We only feel dehumanized when we get trapped in the derogatory images of other people or thoughts of wrongness about ourselves.

Criticism, analysis, and insults are tragic expressions of unmet needs.

Never do anything that isn't play.

As radical as it may seem, it is possible to do things only out of play. I believe that to the degree that we engage moment by moment in the playfulness of enriching life- motivated solely by the desire for its enrichment- to that degree are we being compassionate with ourselves.