We use NVC to evaluate ourselves in ways that engender growth rather than self-hatred.

Very often, the way love is defined, it does violence to both people. It almost makes them a slave to the other. For example, if to be in love, or to be married, it means that I'm responsible for the other person's happiness, now we get into this guilt game, where if they're upset, I'm at fault. Soon, that makes the person we are closest to about as much fun to be around as a prolonged dental appointment.

We are this divine energy. It's not something we have to attain. We just have to realize it, to be present to it.

When we hear the other person's feelings and needs, we recognize our common humanity.

When we are depressed, our thinking blocks us from being aware of our needs, and then being able to take action to meet our needs.

However impressed we may be with NVC concepts, it is only through practice and application that our lives are transformed.

My anger tells me firstly that there's a need of mine that's not getting met.