More of THIS!

Over the summer I've had a number of experiences that have been clarifying for me. Some experiences brought me to cross-armed clarity: Nope, that really doesn't work for me. Some brought me to open-armed delight: More of this! As I pay attention to my physical responses to situations and requests, I am practicing not just listening to, but also heeding my body's wisdom. When I do so, I bring my actions into greater alignment with my values. It's an ongoing practice; I haven't mastered it. The way our world is set up doesn't necessarily support us living into our highest values. Every new point of alignment feels noteworthy. 

A week ago I had the great joy of sharing my Communicating Across Divides workshop with a group of 9 women from one family. It was such a powerful night and I left the gathering feeling energized, joyful, light. My body was so clearly saying, "More of THIS!" Hoping that I had sensed correctly that those feelings were common throughout the group, I followed up with the friend who organized the gathering the next morning. Her first response: Wow, Cory, Last night worked.  It felt easy and right.  I asked her to share about the experience. Here's what she wrote (everything I'm sharing here is shared with permission)

My daughter, sisters and nieces form a tight-knit group (ages 23-70) that stays in constant touch.  We are fiercely devoted to each other and to social justice. Lately we notice that we are lacking skills in effectively talking about our views with others.

So on a summer evening around a long dining room table, we invited Cory to work with us for 2 hours on communicating across divides using nonviolent communication skills.  It was just enough to show us a way forward and plenty to practice with for now.

She also shared with me some of the responses among the group from the next day:  

M: Last night was a peek into a way forward.  So powerful that we did this as a group. 💪🏼  I am grateful to have such a loving and open-minded family.🙏🏼

R:  I’ve been hearing about “conscious raising” gatherings that brought on the second wave of feminism. I thought last night felt like one of those. It was wonderful  🥰

E:   I did it! I was able to use a couple skills I learned last night, and I initiated conversation with the new boss at work. I feel that she heard me and it feels great. Big weight —feels lighter!

My friend knew she wanted to share these tools with her family. She could have invited her family members to one of my workshops with hope that they could attend. Instead she reached out to me and we scheduled a time that worked for everyone. It was so easy. Two other things that facilitated ease and comfort were the fact that there was already such love and trust in the group and we met in someone's home. 

I share this story with you for a couple of reasons. First, this model is easy to replicate. If you've been interested in one of my workshops or have a group of friends or family you'd love to introduce to Nonviolent/Compassionate Communication generally or with something like my Communicating Across Divides workshop, let's make it happen! 

Second, the process with my friend reminded me of one of the things I preach: there are many ways to meet needs. We sometimes limit ourselves, getting "stuck" on the idea that things have to happen a certain way; whatever we decide the "right" way is. I had allowed my mind to narrow about ways to offer my classes and workshops. Last week's intimate workshop opened my mind back up to the expansive question, What else might be possible? 

The Universe seems to be giving me lots of opportunities these days to ask versions of that question: 
What might be possible if I lean into certain collaborations? 
What might be possible if I release certain difficult relationships? 
What might be possible if I ask for support and allow myself to receive it? 
What might be possible if I try this or that new thing? 

What might be possible? 

More joy. More ease. More fulfillment. Who doesn't want more of these? 

As I consider these questions, I also wonder what you are wanting more of in your life. I wonder how you would finish the question: 

What might be possible if...?

Does the question intrigue you as much as it intrigues me? I'd love to know.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
One collaboration I'm excited to lean into is with my dear friend Althea Dryden, Chief Dream Doula at Afromoon Collaborations. On the afternoons of September 15th and 22nd we're going to be co-facilitating Seeking the Shalom of the City at Roots 101 African American Museum. I say "More of THIS!" to both working with Althea and to offering the program at Roots 101. I can't wait to share the program with her and in that setting. 

I am also excited to have a number of upcoming Nonviolent/Compassionate Communication events, classes, and workshops. Later this month I'll be offering Can We Talk? Tools for Conversations about Racial Justice through Spirit of Sophia Women's Spirituality Center. Because the workshop is supported by a grant, it is offered for free. In September I'm offering a 4-week introduction to Nonviolent/Compassionate Communication and I'll be hosting Compassionate Communication Practice Sessions for those who already have some skills and want to continue practicing in a supported way. You can read more about these and other upcoming events below. I hope something piques your interest to the point of "More of THIS!" 

With trust in abundance,
Cory