The first step in healing is to put the focus on what's alive now, not what happened in the past.

If I'm using Nonviolent Communication I never, never, never hear what somebody thinks about me. Never hear what somebody thinks about you, you'll live longer. You'll enjoy life more. Hear the truth. The truth is that when somebody's telling you what's wrong with you, the truth is they have a need that isn't getting met. Hear that they're in pain. Don't hear the analysis.

Fear of punishment diminishes self-esteem and goodwill.

Compliments and praise, for their part, are tragic expressions of fulfilled needs

I find that my cultural conditioning leads me to focus attention on places where I am unlikely to get what I want. I developed NVC as a way to train my attention-to shine the light of consciousness-on places that have the potential to yield what I am seeking.

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

Punishment is the root of violence on our planet.