Living Peace

By Miki and Inbal Kashtan

Imagine living in a world where peace and nonviolence are everyone's daily practice, where every word and action are informed by the principles of love, compassion, and authenticity . . .

Sound like a utopia? It may take a while to establish these principles as common practices in our world, but you can experience this way of life, on a small scale, at a "Living Peace" intensive residential retreat in the coming months.

In these 6-day retreats, participants explore the practices that are needed to support transformation towards an open-hearted, interdependent life and experience first-hand the depth of connection and peace that arise through these practices. They learn about holding everyone's needs as preciously as their own, expressing themselves with full authenticity and care and receiving each other with deep empathy.

Bay Area Nonviolent Communication (BayNVC), the largest regional NVC organization in the world, offers "Living Peace" retreats several times a year. In these retreats we live, practice, and teach Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a consciousness and a communication process used around the globe to empower people with skills to create peace within themselves, in their relationships, and in their communities.

Here is what one of hundreds of retreat participants over the past 6 years wrote about a recent retreat experience: "Being immersed in a community of people committed to living NVC, I gained insights into patterns that have kept me from connecting more fully with myself and others. Coming home, I find myself being with others in a new way. I notice I am more open to their experiences, less demanding, and more interested in furthering the connection between us." Another participant said: "This retreat was truly inspirational and transformative. I learned to experience life differently and to relate differently. The effect on my relationships has been enormous."

The retreats are led by local certified trainers Miki Kashtan and Inbal Kashtan, both co-founders of BayNVC and internationally recognized leaders of Nonviolent Communication. The daily structure of the retreats includes plenty of time for learning skills and for integrating the teaching and practice throughout the day; empathy groups, where the skills of receiving and offering empathy are practiced; morning movement, such as yoga (optional); delicious and nutritious food; opportunities to practice teaching NVC; and healing work. Experienced program assistants offer individualized support and lead small group practice.