This is a common question when people read the term "Nonviolent Communication." The word "nonviolent" in Nonviolent Communication refers to the term as Gandhi used it when he spoke of the absence of violence in the human heart. In Nonviolent Communication or NVC, we recognize that certain language we use--or even thoughts we think--dehumanizes other people or ourselves and disconnects us from divine life energy. By using NVC, we seek to stay connected to the beautiful life energy within us and other people. NVC refers to both a consciousness we wish to embody, and a concrete set of skills we can practice to help us embody the consciousness. The skills apply to thought, language, and a commitment to 'power from within' and 'power with,' rather than power over / under. The skills provide a learnable, doable blueprint for how we can focus our attention in each moment to live in a consciousness of peace and oneness. NVC is a process for creating emotional freedom, self-acceptance, inner peace, and fulfilling relationships. It involves expressing ourselves honestly, listening with empathy, and developing a more compassionate inner relationship.

In my journey with NVC, I've found the tools this process provides to be an incredibly powerful way to meet life – whatever shows up in my world, or in my mind – with acceptance and love, and to 'mine' the beauty and the living energy that is showing up, sometimes buried beneath some pretty violent and judgmental thinking. Using this process helps me to release criticism of myself for thinking 'violent' thoughts and to understand and celebrate the gift or message wrapped up in that thinking. This unblocks the energy in criticism and judgment and frees me to act in ways that better serve me and serve life. I'm celebrating this process and how it enhances my life, helping me to be more compassionate and effective! And, I'm in awe about the incredible changes in my life since I've been working with this process.

People around the world are using NVC skills to transform conflict, create harmony in their relationships, and build a world where everyone's needs are met through natural giving and receiving, and without the use of coercion or violence.

To experience this transformation in your life, I invite you to join me at a Nonviolent Communication 4-day Retreat here in St. Louis this Labor Day weekend, led by internationally recognized NVC Certified Trainer Susan Skye. See below for details.

To learn more about NVC and Rhonda Mills, visit www.rhondamills.com or www.stlouisnvc.org. To read about the creator of this process, Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D. at www.cnvc.org. To learn about the upcoming Nonviolent Communication Retreat, "Transforming Core Beliefs" visit www.livingpeaceandwholenessretreat.com.