Empathy and Transition Ottawa (and Restorative Circles and Nonviolent Communication)

[Shulamit]

I saw this video today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkUGS2Hj1i0 (by http://www.mattharvey.co.uk/)

It's funny but the power of empathy it illustrates is priceless.

I am trained in two empathy practices, Nonviolent Communication (see www.nonviolentcommunication.com) and Restorative Circles (see www.restorativecircles.de and www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-AUwX61-34 ).

I can teach NVC and facilitate Restorative Circle processes.

The Transition Ottawa group may want to consider setting up a Restorative system for itself as it grows so it has a process for having conflict that connects and grows relationships. I am totally willing to make a 1-hour presentation to the group as a place to start.

As far as NVC goes, I would be delighted to teach if and when the Transition Ottawa team thinks it might be useful to its growing.

Looking forward to meeting you all in person soon,

Shulamit

Shulamit Day Berlevtov
www.shula.ca

[Bill Shields]

Hi Shumalit,
Great that you are here and willing to offer your expertise in these two practices. I'm familiar with NVC but haven't hear of the Restorative Circle process - though it sounds similar to others I have experienced.

As we have only had the first meeting of the formative group it's a little hard to know when would be the best time to introduce these approaches but I'm sure they would be helpful. We will probably know a bit more in a few weeks. Many transition initiatives establish a group around the "heart of transition" which deals with the personal and interpersonal aspects of the work. If that develops here in TO it might be a good place to begin. This is an aspect of the initiative that I am particularly interested in so I'll make sure we keep you in the loop.

Looking forward to meeting you soon, Bill

[Shulamit]

Hi Bill,

Yes the heart of transition aspect interests me very much.

For clarity, while the RC process shares much with other restorative practices, it does have some very distinct, and I think important differences wihch have implications for the assertion that 'another world is possible." I'd love to have a phone convo with you to tell you a bit more about the process itself, if you're interested.

In any case, I am looking forward to working as a TO member in whatever ways arise,

Shulamit

[Bill Shields]

I'd enjoy chatting with you to get an idea of the RC process. By the look of your website we have connected with some similar kinds of learning/work. Is there a website for RC that I could take a look at in the meantime?

Do you have any time this Friday. We could chat on the phone or even connect for a coffee if that's convenient. I don't know what part of town you're in but I'm in the west end. Let me know what would work best for you.

[Shulamit]

Hi Bill,

It's cool to know we have some common interests/learning :-)

There's no RC website but you can view a video of Dominic Barter who developed the process at www.restorativecircles.de and also at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-AUwX61-34.

If you e-mail me at shulamit at shula dot ca I can send you some articles.

I'm prepping to teach a course and want to keep Friday for that. But when (if) you e-mail me we can discuss some other times.

Shulamit

[John]

This sounds very interesting, I'm so eager to be a part of something positive, but I fear I don't have much to offer...but I can learn and past that knowledge down.

A "new world" IS possible, but it begins within each one of us, we have to want to become more compassionate and loving people, unite with like minded people (with good communication/listening skills) and then we can work together to heal the world.

[Shulamit]

Hi John,

I'd be happy to meet you for coffee and give you a one-hour overview of the RC process. Also, there is a facilitator training taking place October 5-8th in Ottawa. Please give me your e-mail address if you would like more info or to meet.

Shulamit

[John]

Thank you for offering your time and skills to my self and the group. I do hope that the rest of the group realize just how important it is to learn how to communicate effectively if we want to make a real change in the world. Language is a powerful tool that we need to learn how to utilize properly.

I would love to understand more precisely the concept and process behind NVC and RC. Jenn and I will be in the Yukon and BC between Sept.17th & Oct 3rd. I would love to meet you in person and learn more when we get back, I'm sure Jenn will be interested in this as well (my girlfriend who joined the group a few days ago) and it would be interesting to attend this "facilitator training"

see you soon Shulamit :)