“Practicing Right Speech requires a dedication to mindfulness, especially to being aware of the impulse to speak before we actually speak. One approach for doing this is to develop the custom of pausing before speaking….” So what would happen if we did this simple practice of pausing in online communications — in email, social media, and texts?
Compassion in the Cloud
Online Wise Speech Course with Oren Jay Sofer
If I had to name just one resource for Wise Speech it would be Buddhist teacher and CNVC trainer Oren Jay Sofer. In addition to publishing the most helpful book on wise speech that I know of (Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication), beginning tomorrow, he is offering a free 6-week […]
Is Compassion an Emotion?
On the first day of the Science and Wisdom of Emotions Summit, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard asks UCSF pioneer in the study of emotions Paul Ekman about his view on compassion from the perspective of fundamental emotions. Dr. Ekman’s answer is refreshingly clear, insightful, and concise.
Trust No One Online?
In yesterday’s New York Times, one of my favorite tech reporters, Brian X. Chen, concludes his column on “Tech Commandments to a Safer Digital Life” with: “Remember to Stay Skeptical.
All security experts agreed on one rule of thumb: Trust no one.” Stay skeptical — fine. But “trust no one”? This struck me as excessive…
A Mobile-Friendly NVC Needs List
The central insight of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is its focus on universal human needs. But what are basic needs? For those new to NVC, it’s often difficult to distinguish fundamental needs from emotions and judgments. As a result, a list of needs can be particularly helpful in understanding and practicing NVC. If there’s one core […]
The Bud Stands for All Things
The bud
stands for all things,
even for those things that don’t flower,
for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing;
though sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness….