The Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurti once remarked that observing without evaluating is the highest form of human intelligence. When I first read this statement, the thought, 'What nonsense!' shot through my mind before I realized that I had just made an evaluation.

Postpone result/solution thinking until later; it's through connection that solutions materialize - empathy before education.

The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.

NVC requires us to be continually conscious of the beauty within ourselves and other people.

Our ability to offer empathy can allow us to stay vulnerable, defuse potential violence, help us hear the word 'no' without taking it as a rejection, revive lifeless conversation, and even hear the feelings and needs expressed through silence.

When we focus on clarifying what is being observed, felt, and needed rather than on diagnosing and judging, we discover the depth of our own compassion.

I wouldn't expect someone who's been injured to hear my side until they felt that I had fully understood the depth of their pain.