The most important use of NVC may be in developing self-compassion.

I have tried to integrate the spirituality into the training in a way that meets my need not to destroy the beauty of it through abstract philosophizing.

Have you ever been surfing? Imagine you're on your surfboard now, waiting for the big one to come. Get ready to get carried with that energy. Now, here it comes. That's empathy. No words - just being with that energy. When I connect with what's alive in another person, I have feelings similar to when I'm surfing.

We want to take action out of the desire to contribute to life rather than out of fear, guilt, shame, or obligation.

Once you can clearly describe what you are reacting to, free of your interpretation or evaluation of it, other people are less likely to be defensive when they hear it.

Depression is the reward we get for being 'good'.

The only time a message (label) can scare us is if we think there is such a thing, and that such a thing is a disgrace.