I never have to worry about another person's response, only how I react to what they say.

To practice the process of conflict resolution, we must completely abandon the goal of getting people to do what we want.

When you ride the wave, the thrill is so exhilarating that you forget everything else. You live in the moment where nothing else matters, so intent on riding the wave perfectly that you and the wave become one. Pain and worry disappear, replaced by euphoria, akin to flow. Similarly, when giving empathy, you want to strive for this kind of total presence for the person you are listening to.

Punishment also includes judgmental labeling and the withholding of privileges.

When we are angry, killing people is too superficial.

It may be most difficult to empathize with those we are closest to.

NVC helps us connect with each other and ourselves in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish.