To me, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is consciously tending a living ecology of communication in service of what makes Life thrive. The breakdown of dialogue is one of society’s most pressing issues. When we really hear and feel heard, we free up energy to collectively move towards that which serves Life inside us, in our families, communities, countries, and the whole planet.
Through Nonviolent Communication, I have experienced profound transformation in my own close relationships and witnessed people connect across stark differences. I keep practicing NVC so that people feel safe enough with me to express whatever is alive for them and can be seen in their humanity. My trainings are creating the conditions for others to walk towards this one step at a time.
My work links the personal to broader societal transformation. I study and teach self-empathy, the powerful changes from being connected warmly with ourselves. I teach empathy -intentionally developing our capacity for connection even in conflict. For me, Nonviolent Communication creates change in every area of life; I work in very varied fields at the same time. Nature and life don’t live in separate fields, they are interdependent. NVC supports growth across contexts.
I aim to show the possibility of connection on the other side of the ‘hard to hear’ messages. I’m always working towards being more anti-oppressive, exploring how we have been conditioned to see and behave in ways that privilege some people over others. I’m rooted in my local community of Dorking, Surrey, UK. This is where I where I grew up, having lived and worked abroad, and now live with my family. Raised also by these hills and woods, I have faith in our collective power. Our community is active and I trust that a local culture of empathy and social justice is growing. I am committed to nurturing it.
I bring my life experience to my NVC practice. I spent 12 years teaching at the University of the Arts London, with an international performance art career. I am also a long-time home-educating and unschooling parent, a dedicated martial artist, and an active member of my local Quaker meeting. I am at my best when bringing people together to play, explore, and co-create a regenerative life. I invite you to join me.
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