“Although we cannot help but partake in some degree in social injustice because we live in this world, we must constantly reach out in concrete and practical ways to those in need.  

Divine love is not a feeling, but a choice.”
 Thomas Keating, Meditations on the Parables of Jesus

In answer to these messages, we will begin with this offering to increase awareness.
 

We begin with a half day retreat with generous off camera time on Zoom.  In the retreat, introduction to the inspirational teachings and spiritual practices from Jewish Mysticism and Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg’s work), you will learn to deepen your compassion practice.

Unlearning habitual communication patterns, which continually separate you from yourself (self criticism) and others (anger, resentment, loneliness, etc.), opens up space to simultaneously learn new ways of compassionate beingness.  Here we shift form profound disconnections toward a higher quality of interconnection in our daily communication. Lived compassion.

The practices taught include an overview of the four basic skills of Nonviolent Communication.  These are integrated with the spiritual practices of:

• reducing reactivity when faced with “Shards of Darkness” in self and others
• needs/longings/values as a doorway into wholeness and Sparks of the Divine
• a fluidity of narrow mind and spacious mind
• paradoxical practices of holding opposites of my needs and your needs, as ours
• needs as never in conflict – it is our strategies!
• More choice, a sense of fullness and sacredness in communication.

This retreat will be followed by a four week series on Wdnesdays, October 21 – November 11, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., with practice sessions to deepen our communal learning and apply the principles and practices in our daily lives.

Susan Kaplan, MSW, MPA, RYT is a life-long Jewish Mystic and a Certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer.  In integrating Jewish Mysticism and Nonviolent Communication practices, she has also created bridges between the worlds of our desire to truly live a more compassionate life with the realities of difficult and negative communication experiences.  Susan has taught Communication as a Spiritual practice for over 5 years, and communication skills and practices for over 30 years in a variety of settings.  As a Certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer and an Accredited Facilitator for Rocky Mountain Compassionate Communication Network, she has lived into the practices she teaches, still learning and deepening.  Susan also teaches in the Graduate School of Social Work, is a Hatha Yoga Teacher and Professional Storyteller.  She enjoys her sunset walks with her Golden Retriever.