Empathy: Emptying our mind and listening with our whole being

Not getting our needs fulfilled is painful - but it's a sweet pain, not suffering, which is what comes from life-alienated thinking and interpretation.

Conventional compliments often take the form of judgments however positive, and are sometimes offered to manipulate the behavior of others. NVC encourages the expression of appreciation solely for celebration.

Understanding and connection can transcend conflict.

When we express our needs indirectly through the use of evaluations, interpretations, and images, others are likely to hear criticism. When people hear anything that sounds like criticism, they tend to invest their energy in self-defense or counterattack. It's important that when we address somebody that we're clear what we want back.

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

We are this divine energy. It's not something we have to attain. We just have to realize it, to be present to it.