Learn and practice
nonviolent communication

Zacapa emphasizes the transformative power of compassionate communication. The workshop covers bridging gaps in politics, the art of mourning, and the significance of self-empathy. For NVC enthusiasts, Zacapa's insights offer a deep dive into the principles of non-violence, emphasizing curiosity, acceptance, and the potential for positive change in challenging circumstances.

In nonviolent communication we practice guessing feelings and needs. This is very different from telling someone we know how they feel or what they need.

There are negative implications to using moralistic judgments and they usually get in the way of effective communication. Yet, it can be helpful when we distinguish between moralistic judgments and value judgments because value judgments allow us to express our values in situations.

Many times, people will say, “I am just being honest.” Yet, what they share may be an opinion that they are putting out there like if it is a fact.

Learning the difference between appreciation and praise and how appreciation can go much deeper and be much more accurate and meaningful.

The difference between choice and submission. To be in choice in any particular moment grants us true freedom.

Differentiating the difference in regard to respect for authority and fear of authority.

Self-empathy is a very important practice in nonviolent communication and life in general. It is a refreshing practice that can transform the situation and our experience.

The difference between the Protective Use of Force vs the Punitive Use of Force.

Distinguishing between requests and demands. In nonviolent communication we make requests instead of demands.

Distinguishing the difference between needs and strategies and demands. Many times when we try to practice expressing our needs we mix them up with strategies and/or demands. When the latter is done it usually gets in the way of effective communication.

The difference between expressing a feeling and a thought. In nonviolent communication we share feelings and want to be careful to not mix in thought with our expression of our feelings.

Differentiating between an observation and an evaluation. This is one of the four components in nonviolent communication and key to being accurate with our words.

Understanding the difference between approaching life in a life connected way instead vs a life alienating manner.

Understanding the difference between power over and power with and bringing awareness when we are acting out of power over or power with.

A video on how the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Key Differentiations have supported my learning practices and teaching. Check out my other YouTube videos on each of the NVC key differentiations.

Nonviolent Communication is a process of communication that helps us stay connected to our feelings and needs and the feelings and needs of others. It helps us to be compassionate with ourselves and others and helps us navigate the terrain of conflict. Eddie Zacapa is a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC).