Living Compassion Tip -- Week 1

"Violent" Language? Who, Me?

Have you ever sat in a busy airport terminal waiting for your flight and listened to snippets of the conversations going on around you?

You might have heard things like: "That's the stupidest idea I ever heard." "Sammy, sit on your bottom or I'll smack you."

Or, have you said things such as: "I just hate it when he does that." "She can be such a pain in the neck!"

Would you consider these statements "violent language"? Marshall Rosenberg writes, "While we may not consider the way we talk to be 'violent,' our words often lead to hurt and pain, whether for ourselves or others."

Early in his career, Dr. Rosenberg asked himself the question, "What happens to disconnect us from our compassionate nature, leading us to behave violently and exploitatively?"

It was from answering this question that he developed the Nonviolent Communication process (NVC). These language and communication skills strengthen our ability to remain "human," which Gandhi described as "our natural state of compassion when violence has subsided from the heart."

Would you enjoy living in a world where everyone was truly human, even under trying conditions? The first step is to observe more closely how you use language.

Mindful Practice for the Week

This week, become more aware of your choice of words and expressions. Become curious to see if there is another less violent way to express yourself.