Unless we as social change agents come from a certain spirituality, we're likely to create more harm than good.

I find that my cultural conditioning leads me to focus attention on places where I am unlikely to get what I want. I developed NVC as a way to train my attention-to shine the light of consciousness-on places that have the potential to yield what I am seeking.

The more we empathize with the other party, the safer we feel.

Social change involves helping people see new options for making life wonderful that are less costly to get needs met.

NO is always a YES to something else.

We never really know what we want until after we get it. If after we get it, it makes life more miserable, we know that isn't what we wanted. If it makes our life wonderful, we know this is a strategy which will meet out need. That's why Paul Tillich, the theologian says we need to sin courageously. You ask for what you want, hoping to meet your needs. If you get it and it makes life worse, you learn that this isn't what I want.

The more we use words that in any way imply criticism, the more difficult it is for people to stay connected to the beauty within themselves.