Nonviolent Communication is a way of keeping our consciousness tuned in moment by moment to that beauty within ourselves and others, and not saying anything that we think might in any way tarnish people's consciousness of their own beauty.

When you need empathy, you cannot give empathy.

Focusing on the unmet need (not the judgment) is more likely to get the need met.

We need to receive empathy to give empathy.

If we don't tell people about our needs, it is much less likely they will be met.

We only feel dehumanized when we get trapped in the derogatory images of other people or thoughts of wrongness about ourselves. As author and mythologist Joseph Campbell suggested, "'What will they think of me?' must be put aside for bliss." We begin to feel this bliss when messages previously experienced as critical or blaming begin to be seen for the gifts they are: opportunities to give to people who are in pain.

NVC gives us tools and understanding to create a more peaceful state of mind.