Phases of the Moon, the newsletter of the Maine NVC Network
Volume Eleven, Issue One: Fifth teaching visit to Maine by Sarah Peyton

Our newsletter will now be appearing occasionally, up to four times a year. Please visit our archives to explore our many previous newsletters, many of which contain practice suggestions. Our purpose is to contribute to the NVC learning of people who have taken at least an NVC Level 1 workshop, and help us stay connected as we endeavor to deepen a culture of peace within ourselves, our families and the world. We believe a Level 1 offers so many new ways of thinking that additional support for learning and integration could be helpful.

We endeavor to make each edition informative, connecting, inspiring and fun. Please let us know how the newsletter might contribute to your NVC well-being. Email: newsletter at mainenvcnetwork.org

Contents

The Interface of Neurobiology and NVC

by Peggy Smith

My teaching of NVC has been enriched enormously by the knowledge and modeling of Sarah Peyton, (certified NVC trainer, self-directed neuroscience geek, author, Constellations trainer/facilitator, and all-around warm, generous human being.) It began in 2014. For several years I had heard that a trainer named Sarah knew a lot about neurobiology and how it interfaced with NVC. I was intrigued. But I was on full time mother-care and didn’t perceive that I had the time or money to travel to the west coast to study with her.

I called her about coming to Maine to do a three day workshop. I figured three days ought to give me all I needed from her. It took over a year to get into her schedule. Sarah arrived in November 2015 and I soon realized what she offered was so rich and deep – a different universe that offered profound insights into why and how NVC works.

Over the next three years I made six trips to Oregon for week-long workshops with Sarah. We have also been most fortunate to have Sarah teaching here in Maine every March since then. Sarah continues her own healing and learning journey, so what she offers year to year grows in depth and freshness. This year our focus will be on using neuroscience and NVC to address anxiety & depression. FMI

The core of Sarah’s work is Resonant Language. This is an extension of what we refer to in NVC circles as Empathy. Feelings and Needs guesses are the first of nine strategies for bringing Resonant Language alive. Her book, Your Resonant Self takes us step by step through both the science and practical strategies for bringing Resonance alive within us.

In her recent newsletter Sarah writes:

I’m guessing you’re familiar with the term, "loneliness epidemic," the research findings that show that folks in the western world are facing unprecedented levels of loneliness.

You don’t have to look far for evidence:

50% of Americans (about 160 million people) report they feel alone a lot of the time, the British government in 2017 appointed a Minister of Loneliness, and there is increasing pressure on governments and other institutions to address the detrimental health outcomes arising from isolation and loneliness.

When we hear loneliness, we think of the 81 year old widow who spends her birthday alone, or the outsider teenager who doesn’t have much connection with his parents or schoolmates.

But it’s not a lack of contact that is leading to a loneliness epidemic. Instead, pervasive loneliness is the sense that we are alone and unaccompanied even (or perhaps, especially) when we are with others.

So healing loneliness isn’t as simple as going out more often.

To truly work with loneliness we need to uncover what is blocking us, collectively, from being together in ways that help us feel seen, understood and belonging.

Sarah returns to Maine for a three-day workshop on anxiety and depression March 27-29, 2020, with an additional day on Constellations in Action, March 30. If you can’t make it in person, Sarah offers a variety of online offerings on her website.

The neuroscience that I have learned form Sarah has become a foundational part of my NVC Level 1 workshops. Through his own deep practice and observation, Marshall Rosenberg uncovered a powerful strategy for awakening the Resonance of the right hemisphere. While he didn’t have the benefit of neuroscience research, he led the way in building a practical life-changing way of thinking and speaking that impacts our loneliness, anxiety, depression and violence of all varieties. Now we have an opportunity to enrich and broaden our understanding and healing through Sarah’s teaching and example.

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Suggestions for further practice:

1Based on the work of Sarah Peyton, used with permission.


Upcoming Trainings

Trainings listed here are in the Maine region. If you wish to list an event, please follow our guidelines for submission. Please note that both certified and non–certified trainers, (who are willing to follow certain requirements of the Center for Nonviolent Communication), may be leading the posted trainings. Listing here does not imply endorsement by the Maine NVC Network of the trainer or the event.

Special Opportunities:

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Level 1 / Introductory Workshops

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For updated listings of NVC trainings please check any of the following:

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Ongoing

  • Monthly Empathy Circle:
    Belfast, ME
    Second Friday of each month, 10am-1pm
    (formerly first Friday)
    25 Village Rd, Belfast
    You are welcome to come when you can.
    If this is your first time coming, please contact Linda beforehand:
    Phone 207-322-2122
    email: chezcote5 at gmail.com

  • Authentic Communication Groups
    Falmouth, ME
    with Andrea Ferrante, trainer and coach
    Two groups meet biweekly, one on alternate Wednesdays; the other on alternate Mondays.
    Authentic Communication Groups are coaching groups designed to open you up to an approach to living that offers greater peace, personal empowerment, and conscious connection to that which sustains and enriches life. / FMI

  • See also the Practice Groups page.

 

Announcements

  • Meet the new Executive Director of CNVC (Center for Nonviolent Communication)
    We at Maine NVC Network are delighted that after a long while with an acting Executive Director, CNVC now has a full-time Executive Director. This 30 minute film gives you insights into her visions and dreams, her depth of gratitude and care, and her warmth for our extended community. Welcome, Maria Arpa!

  • Scholarship Fund for the Maine NVC Integration Program! By supporting a scholarship fund for the Maine NVC Integration Program, you will be helping bring together a more diverse group of people to experience this life-changing program, thus helping foster greater compassion and harmony individually and collectively. Please join us in supporting this fund in order to include individuals who otherwise would not be able to attend. Our goal is to raise $21,000. Contribute HERE

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Do you want to receive emails about upcoming NVC trainings and other NVC events in and near Maine?

Join the Maine NVC Network
Yahoo Group

The group is moderated and is only used for announcements of regional workshops and other Maine NVC Network events. Inclusion in list serve announcements does not imply endorsement by the Network.

 

Paid Announcement

Clarity Services, LLC
Now Accepting Clients

Helping groups of people think together collaboratively and effectively. Free 30 minute initial consultation:
1-877-833-1372
email: leah at clarityservices.us

 

 

For a laugh:

I thought I’d share this experience with you as I learned a valuable lesson. I saw a short video from Sarah Peyton and decided to order her book. I was in a hurry and was using my phone and thought I did it correctly. Well, much to my surprise what came in the mail was a breakfast cereal called "Empathy Bran." While it tastes pretty good, I learned that NVC can also mean "New Vegetarian Cereal."

— Bob H., current participant in the Maine NVC Integration Program
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