Santa Barbara IIT

These comments were taken with permission from the feedback sheets of previous Santa Barbara IIT participants.  Tears of joy welled up in me as I entered the comments here and remembered the people and the community that we created.  I'm so excited to be doing this again ~ Warmly Rodger Sorrow

Attended many sessions that gave me skills that expanded my concepts of the many ways to use this process 

I gained much more ease with practical use of NVC and a expanded awareness of spiritual aspects.  Increased understanding of personal use of NVC and to slow down and feel the process viscerally.  

Vastly expanded and deepened knowledge of NVC and excellent opportunities and support for practice. 

“Education the opportunity to practice, Experiencing the power of receiving empathy from one person + a coach for him and a their holding space, Receiving an empathy session in a safe, intimate setting with an experienced person or with the help of an experienced coach.  I got to do this once.” 

“Greater freedom from the empathy I’ve received from individual participants and insights gained from the sessions” 

“I got a lot of clarity about spiritual practice of NVC, the importance of the intention to connect and the non-attachment to the out outcome and understand how crucial empathy is.” 

I have been able to integrate at a deep level some of the principles of NVC” 

“Heartwarming connections.      Deeper understanding of core Jackals         Deepened my ability to give empathy      Deeper understanding of needs.” 

“My first experience so wanted everything I could get.  I have formula ways to execute them, heart full of love, and community of live which I so value.” 

“Healing of trauma, Opening of heart, Touching emotions, Understanding praise.”  

“I worked through and resolved many long-time wounds of my soul.  I have the information and tools to make a difference.” 

“Increased skill and awareness, clear understanding of the quality of community I wish to live in.” 

“Personal growth—spiritual.  Communication tools.  Fellowship.” 

“Practicing empathy.  Grief released from childhood.  Fun to be here, playing with others.” 

“The loving space held for me while I was ‘heard’ and loved gives me hope for all the new possibilities now open to me—because things that were stuck are now open.  Forgiveness and acceptance are now a real possibility.  An exciting new way of being is ahead.” 

“This IIT deepened my understanding of NVC as a daily practice of living more fully in each moment.  I received great insights, missing puzzle pieces which greatly increased my ability to embody NVC.” 

“Learning and practicing NVC and exploring training possibilities.  Connecting to people, honesty, compassionate relationship, excavating my own issues and deep healing.  The opportunity to be of service to NVC and the people needing my support here.” 

“As a relative beginner, I took in the absolute centrality of empathy—what it is, and that it is for myself and others.  Also, that it is first, before I can go on to more prosaic issues.” 

“I have a new consciousness about connecting to myself and others.” 

“By extending my own process into the realm beyond feelings and needs.” 

“I got in touch with the Beauty of my needs—I got to express and be in touch with my feelings.  I am clear about some of the healing I want and have some way of doing that.  I am more confident in contributing to others.” 

‘I received the empathy [I clearly] needed and the support I was wishing to receive.” 

“The constant and ongoing opportunities to practice and live NVC.  The presence of the extraordinary community that was created each day.” 

“I am more clear on what needs are behind feelings expressed and I am much more comfortable with my ability to offer empathy and become really ‘present with’ the other person.”   

“Learning the NVC process better—seeing and feeling empathy modeled.” 

“Clearer understanding of NVC ideology and practice and opportunity to practice living consciously in community with NVC awareness.” .

”Four ways:  1) Practiced learning of NVC.  2) Connection with others professionally.  3) Personal healing.  4) Professional direction and focus.” 

“Receiving empathy (quality).  Learning more in-depth ways of working with jackal thoughts:  “transforming inner jackals” and “educator/chooser”.  Having the opportunity to cry with tears rolling down my face for the first time in at least 16 years.” 

“I have exponentially increased my skill level and I feel ecstatic and my need for learning was met.  I feel relaxed refreshed, invigorated and alive—my need for healing was met.  I received help creating strategies for healing of my own former husband who is in jail, healing him, myself and my daughter—my needs for help, support, companionship, and cooperation are met, also friendship and recognition of the person who is in pain—his self worth.  MANY THANKS.” 

“A deepening of my NVC practice, particularly in the realm of self-empathy.  Also building connections and being in a community of NVC-ers gave me a sense of what’s possible.”     

“I received so much empathy that I am starting to be able to listen in NVC and reflect.  My feelings are starting to stop being good or bad.” 

“Learn and practice the technique—got the power and the deepness of the CNVC Information and contacts on how to work with teachers.  Powerful community.  Profound life experience.” 

“Healing old pain.  Getting tools to stay connected to myself so I can connect with others.  Seeing how I can use NVC as a spiritual practice.  Experiencing NVC in use in community.  Connecting deeply with other like-minded people.” 

“I have gotten in touch with a lot of unmet and unknown needs as well as being much clearer about the process and purpose of NVC.”