Nonviolent Communication: A Body-Based Approach

This innovative approach to Nonviolent Communication (NVC) takes the body as the foundation for understanding how we communicate; what stands in the way of skillful communication, and when to take a step back from engaging with others. 

Explore the deeper layers of communication- body language, tone, intonation, and rhythm and what these body-based cues reveal about how we respond to stress and conflict. 

Learn how to disarm your defences and cultivate open-heartedness without sacrificing yourself and your values. Practice empowered ways of speaking and relating that embody dignity, confidence, courage, and compassion. 

This course blends together insights from polyvagal theory, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence with yogic practices that help keep us centered, grounded, and connected to our hearts.

What You Can Expect

• Experiential, hands-on learning. 
• Yoga movements to build body awareness and self-awareness. 
• Group work to workshop conflict and relationship scenarios. 
• Journaling and self-reflection. 
• Guided relaxation sessions to help the body learn to let go of physical, emotional, mental and relationship stress. 

What You’ll Gain

• Learn polyvagal theory in relation to communication and conflict.
• An understanding of body language and other non-verbal cues in ourselves and in others.
• Nonviolent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• A highly cultivated empathy and assertiveness practice.
• The ability to ask meaningful questions that provoke dialogue.

Who This Program is For

• People who want to learn how to bring the body into how we communicate.
• People wishing to communicate more skillfully with friends, colleagues, and family.
• People hoping to gain more self-awareness, body awareness, insight into relationship patterns, and where these patterns live in the body.
• People who find themselves in repetitive relationship dynamics and want to gain a deeper insight into themselves, their bodies and how to step out of what is familiar and into new possibilities.
• Professionals (counsellors, therapists, frontline and service workers) who want to understand the body-based nuances of communication and how to read no-verbal cues in themselves and others.
• This is not for you if:
  • You are dealing with trauma and have difficulty with managing triggers in a group setting.
  • You have a current diagnosis of PTSD for which you are seeking professional therapy.

Why This Program Matters

Fulfilling relationships bring meaning into our lives and the world. Communication is not only an individual or personal matter; it is of critical importance in our world. The ability to communicate across ideological, political, and social divides is foundational to building a pluralist society that values difference, celebrates diversity, and finds shared ground in our humanness. Communication, whether it is with our intimate partners, in our families, or in the world at large is more than what we say with our words, it is profoundly somatic. It is at the level of the body that we can connect to vulnerability, self-compassion, bravery and build trust in ourselves, in our relationship and in the world.

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. In the meantime, click here for a draft program outline (subject to change).