Imagine Peace in 2008

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. Here 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.

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.

As one participant commented, "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: "Truly inspirational! I learned to experience life differently and to relate differently. The effect on my relationships has been enormous."