Disagreement, tension, stress, and conflict are part of all relationships and communities. There’s no magic pill to make it go away. But, we don’t have to suffer so much. There are ways to get through disagreement, dignity intact. It’s possible to respectfully hear each other across deep divides. The people around us may have all kinds of different beliefs, ideas, and cultural practices but, as primates, we share the same underlying needs. Non-Violent Communication (NVC) is a way to bridge the gaps through assertive honesty and compassionate listening. Marshall Rosenberg, the founder of NVC, was inspired by Gandhi, influenced by Eric Fromm and worked with Carl Rogers, while developing break through communications around segregation and racism.
NVC strengthens independence AND interdependence: it increases our ability to stand up for ourselves without hurting others, AND care for our interconnected world without harming ourselves.