Our Practice Group are led by Hema Pokharna, Ph D and Mandakini Pokharna, MD

Our practice group creates an environment in which participants will experience, as well as come to understand, the values, principles and premises that guide Nonviolent Communication based on Marshall Rosenberg's work and the practices that grow from them.

We generally begin by a brief centering Meditation followed by self introductions and sharing of "How are you and what would you like to get out with our time together?"

Depending on the needs and requests on the table we craft exercises, role plays, discussions, brief teachings that will support the groups learning; and exercises help surface participants' wisdom and knowledge. Participant contributions and commitment to nonviolence are vital resources.

Although all of our training programs provide opportunities to "try on" the Nonviolent Communication process, we are especially interested in inviting participants to develop an "empathic and honest mindset" in which alignment is sought between belief, intention and action. This is more important to us as trainers than prescribing and rehearsing particular "tools" or techniques.

• To learn non-judgmental ways of thinking and being
• To engage in exercises that invite them to explore non-violent choices;
• To be heard empathically by others and to listen empathically to others;
• To engage in simulations and role-plays that immerse them in how nonviolent and compassionate approach plays out "on the ground."
  

Participants in our trainings will learn to:

• Transfom potential conflicts into peaceful dialogues.
• Break patterns of thinking that lead to anxiety, anger or depression.
• Experss feelings and needs honestlyly without creating hostility.
• Deal with Anger compassionately.
• Make non-violent choices and live a compassionate lifestyle.