Nonviolent Communication offers powerful skills to awaken self-compassion and deepen our connection to the “divine” within ourselves and others. This book by a clinical psychologist who was one of the pioneers of NVC offers guidance and exercises—solo and paired—to directly experience NVC as a spiritual practice.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a potent, increasingly influential communication art that benefits interpersonal communication. But clinical psychologist and NVC pioneer Robert Gonzales also taught it as a tool to cultivate self-compassion and spiritual development. This book is an introduction to experiencing NVC as a connection to the “divine” within ourselves and others.

In this book, based on a series of talks and published posthumously, Gonzales introduces basic, foundational concepts of NVC—observation, feelings, needs, and requests—and then illuminates how they can lead to compassion—and ultimately a transcendent sense of connection with others. This sense of spirit manifests as the needs, longings, and values underlying whatever we hear or say, and it can be experienced in every moment and during every conversation. Gonzales shows that by expressing what is most important to us (our passion) and listening for the essence of what others express, no matter what words they use (compassion), we embody the Divine.

Gonzales addresses anger, fear, grief, and impermanence, pointing out that choices are always present for us to embrace or resist life. Each chapter includes exercises—to do alone or with a partner—to directly embody the concepts of spirituality that Gonzales introduces, showing simple and practical ways to access the Divine right here, right now.