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NVC Resources on Observation

Observing: Practicing the distinction between "observation" and "observation mixed with evaluation"

Observing: Practicing the distinction between "observation" and "observation mixed with evaluation"

Observing: Practicing the distinction between "observation" and "observation mixed with evaluation"

with Jim & Jori Manske

Practice Exercise • 1 - 2 minutes •

Practice Exercise
1 - 2 minutes

Recalling Krishnamurti, Marshall referred to the capability of distinguishing observation vs observation mixed with evaluation as "the highest form of human intelligence." Read on for an exercise to help practice the skill of observation in combination with mindful walking.

A More Expansive Understanding of Observations

A More Expansive Understanding of Observations

A More Expansive Understanding of Observations

with Roxy Manning

Audio • 11 minutes •

Audio
11 minutes

Listen to Roxy expand our notion of making observations to include our internal observations and social and cultural contexts.

Observation, the First Component of Nonviolent Communication

Observation, the First Component of Nonviolent Communication

Observation, the First Component of Nonviolent Communication

with Mary Mackenzie

Trainer Tip • 1 - 2 minutes •

Trainer Tip
1 - 2 minutes

Trainer tip: People often presume why something happened before checking with the other person. Instead, if we were to name the facts of what happened through observation without adding in our own judgments or reasons why we think it happened, we can more easily open the possibility for deeper connection with the other person. Read on for more on making observations.

Developing Observation Skills

Developing Observation Skills

Developing Observation Skills

with Jim & Jori Manske

Audio • 23 minutes •

Audio
23 minutes

In this introductory audio with CNVC Certified Trainers, Jim and Jori Manske, you will learn the difference between an observation and an evaluation, and how discerning between the two improves your ability to stay present in the moment. Included are daily practices for developing your observational skills.

Mediating Conflict Conversations with Observation, Feeling, Need, and Request

Mediating Conflict Conversations with Observation, Feeling, Need, and Request

Mediating Conflict Conversations with Observation, Feeling, Need, and Request

with John Kinyon

Audio • 44 minutes •

Audio
44 minutes

Mediating a conflict conversation can be challenging – but with tools and practice, that challenge can be transformed. If you're curious about the specific steps needed to achieve that transformation, join John for an exploration of his non-dual mindfulness practice.

Can NVC Be Learned Without Learning Observation, Feeling, Need and Request?

Can NVC Be Learned Without Learning Observation, Feeling, Need and Request?

Can NVC Be Learned Without Learning Observation, Feeling, Need and Request?

with Bridget Belgrave, Jeff Brown and Mary Mackenzie

Audio • 44 minutes •

Audio
44 minutes

In this enlightening Trainer Conversation, three veteran CNVC Certified Trainers discuss whether NVC can be learned without first learning Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests (OFNR). The conversation naturally meanders as the trainers grapple with the question, eventually covering a wide-range of topics including the spirituality and true essence of NVC.

Observation: The Awareness of the Thoughts, Stories and Core Beliefs to Enhance Connection

Observation: The Awareness of the Thoughts, Stories and Core Beliefs to Enhance Connection

Observation: The Awareness of the Thoughts, Stories and Core Beliefs to Enhance Connection

with John Kinyon

Audio • 2 hours, 10 minutes •

Audio
2 hours, 10 minutes

In this recorded telecourse, John Kinyon, world renowned CNVC Certified Trainer, guides you through processes to strengthen your capacity for mindful presence and awareness of your thinking, and to develop the skills to translate thoughts into observations.

What Is An Observation In NVC?

What Is An Observation In NVC?

What Is An Observation In NVC?

with Rachelle Lamb

Article • 10 - 15 minutes •

Article
10 - 15 minutes

There's a growing trend to elevate feelings and personal truths (aka MY truth) to the point of being unassailable "facts". If I feel unsafe, then it must be because of you. As valid as a person’s inner world is, we risk overlooking what's beyond our own views, such as larger forces around us that continue to underwrite exploitation, violence, “othering”, etc. Instead, describe specific words...

Increasing Presence Through Observations

Increasing Presence Through Observations

Increasing Presence Through Observations

with John Kinyon

Practice Exercise • 00:26 hours:minutes •

Practice Exercise
00:26 hours:minutes

John Kinyon leads participants through two Observation Exercises to strengthen their ability to be present. Through the exercises, John distinguishes the difference between feelings, which are emotions felt inside the body, and observations which are witness to our experience.

Connected Parenting: Making Observations

Connected Parenting: Making Observations

Connected Parenting: Making Observations

with Inbal Kashtan

Audio • 7 minutes •

Audio
7 minutes

In this brief audio snippet, CNVC Certified Trainer and founder of the CNVC Parenting Project, Inbal Kashtan, explores observation in contrast to interpretation, and leads an exercise in observation skills.

Unpacking Observations

Unpacking Observations

Unpacking Observations

with Roxy Manning

Article • 4 - 6 minutes •

Article
4 - 6 minutes

Many people consider a true observation as something that all can agree on. Some people use the video camera analogy – a true observation is “what a video camera can see and hear.” This perpetuates the myth of the neutral, unbiased observer. There are three layers of observation: External, Internal, and Systemic. Understanding these layers is key to connecting with the depth of the needs, and...

NVC Tools: Observations, Feelings, Needs and Requests

NVC Tools: Observations, Feelings, Needs and Requests

NVC Tools: Observations, Feelings, Needs and Requests

with Wes Taylor

Video • 28 minutes •

Video
28 minutes

In this introduction to Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Wes Taylor discusses the two basic aspects of NVC, the consciousness and the tools that help manifest the consciousness.

Observing Reality

Observing Reality

Observing Reality

with Mary Mackenzie

Trainer Tip • 1 - 2 minutes •

Trainer Tip
1 - 2 minutes

Trainer Tip: Notice when you create stories about why something occurred. Commit to only observing facts. Then make decisions that are likely to give you relief and joy. For instance, if someone is late you may think that she’s inconsiderate or values another thing more than you. Instead, observe what you know—that she's later than agreed. From there, you could call her to find out what’s going...

Observing without Judgment

Observing without Judgment

Observing without Judgment

with Mary Mackenzie

Trainer Tip • 1 - 2 minutes •

Trainer Tip
1 - 2 minutes

Trainer Tip: Today, identify the facts, without adding your ideas about why people behave in certain ways. Then consider connecting with the person about what was going on with them. You will find that the more you observe life without judgment and evaluation, the more open you will be to hearing and connecting with other people.

How To Stay Grounded In A Reactive Moment: Observing, Anchoring And Reflecting

How To Stay Grounded In A Reactive Moment: Observing, Anchoring And Reflecting

How To Stay Grounded In A Reactive Moment: Observing, Anchoring And Reflecting

with LaShelle Lowe-Chardé

Article • 4 - 6 minutes •

Article
4 - 6 minutes

To shift reactivity by moving yourself from the position of experiencer to observer, name what’s happening. This can help you access other skills for managing reactivity. Also, create a strong emotional anchor.

A Brief Introduction to "The Work"

A Brief Introduction to "The Work"

A Brief Introduction to "The Work"

with Arnina Kashtan

Video • 8 minutes •

Video
8 minutes

In this brief introduction to The Work from Byron Katie, Arnina shows the connection of The Work to Nonviolent Communication. Arnina points out how the first two questions of The Work correspond to the observation step of the NVC process, and invites us into deeper self-inquiry.

How to present "harm being done" in an NVC way

How to present "harm being done" in an NVC way

How to present "harm being done" in an NVC way

with Roxy Manning

Video • 1min. 19sec. •

Video
1min. 19sec.

Certified CNVC trainer Roxy Manning, Phd, answers a question: how do we use the term "harm" in NVC? Think of the word "harm" as an unmet need, practice observation to identify the need or needs that are not met.

Poetic License

Poetic License

Poetic License

with Christine King and Jean Morrison

Practice Exercise • N/A •

Practice Exercise
N/A

Poetic License is a fun group exercise that's sure to incite laughter in your NVC group!

Nothing but the Facts

Nothing but the Facts

Nothing but the Facts

with Mary Mackenzie

Trainer Tip • 1 - 2 minutes •

Trainer Tip
1 - 2 minutes

Trainer Tip: There's often a large gap between what we experience, and the story we make up about it. Noticing how our judgments and assumptions cloud our observations can be critical to creating a connection with others and maintaining a Nonviolent Communication consciousness.

Key Differentiations in Nonviolent Communication

Key Differentiations in Nonviolent Communication

Key Differentiations in Nonviolent Communication

with Sylvia Haskvitz

Audio • 1 hour •

Audio
1 hour

Veteran CNVC Certified Trainer, Sylvia Haskvitz, reviews the key distinctions (sometimes referred to as the key differentiations) in Nonviolent Communication.

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