Two years ago, I learned nonviolent communication (NVC) and went through a year-long course. It's really helpful to learn my own feelings and needs. Growing up, I've never had anything like this to connect with myself, let alone the others.
With this learning, I realized that it’s so much easier to see other people's feelings and needs than my own. Self-connection has given me much needed empathy inward that increased my inner capacity to hold space for others: people who have different beliefs, background and worldview than mine.
There is understanding. And there is agreement or disagreement.
Understanding makes connection possible. Even when connection doesn’t happen, with understanding, disconnection feels much less painful.
