Upcoming Retreats
Retreats
Living Empathetic Intelligence
28-30 March 2012 • with Louise Romaine (NVC Certified Trainer from UK)
What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC) / Compassionate Communication?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a process of communication, developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg that is based on compassion. It supports interactions we have with others in clearly, honestly and compassionately expressing ourselves and also in deeply listening to another. The ‘inner chatter’ or dialogues we have in ourselves by bringing an attitude of self compassion and kindness.
NVC focuses our attention on needs – on the universal longings, values and yearnings that each and every one of us as human beings share – needs such as honesty, peace, care, support, to contribute, to be included – (to name but a few).
In addition, to achieve greater clarity in our self awareness and ‘inner chatter’, and to decrease the likelihood of others hearing blame or criticism in the words we use with them, NVC brings our awareness to making factual observations without judgments and also to making clear specific requests in our dialogues with others
NVC is used the world over in schools, prisons, peace processes, organisations, with couples, in families, between friends etc with an aim to create interactions where the needs of every human being are heard and valued. By keeping a focus on these needs that we all share, a greater possibility for understanding and compassion occurs.
NVC also focuses on feelings – believing that all feelings arise from needs. If our needs are met then we experience pleasant feelings. If our needs remain unmet them we experience unpleasant feelings. (i.e. if I experience care from others I may feel relaxed, content, happy. If I don’t experience care then I may feel anxious or hurt or sad or annoyed).
This is the key focus of NVC – noticing the feelings and needs in ourselves and others, as a way of being in touch with what really matters to us and others.
The course will cover a basic introduction to Nonviolent Communication with a focus on practice. People experience how moment-to-moment attentiveness shifts interactions from antagonism and conflict to wide connection.
We will practice honesty, empathic listening and self-empathy to access our own resources of compassion, curiosity and resilience.
Our “Living Empathic Intelligence” then guides us to the good-will that comes when everybody senses that their needs matter.
Fee 4,500 Baht
Food/Lodging 1,200 Baht
Organized by Kwanpandin Institute and New Life Foundation
Louise Romaine • Trainer and Facilitator
Louise is a personal, professional, and organisational development trainer and consultant. She established her own business in her early 20’s, working as a consultant within client business organisations. Since 2007 she has led courses in a variety of self-development areas.
She is currently an active member of NVC Education in France and Europe and has served as an Assistant in many IITs with Marshall Rosenberg. She is also a founding member and leader of her local circle in Carcassonne and NVC Education South-West France. She offers courses and private sessions to individuals seeking to learn and live the consciousness NVC represents.
Louise combines her understanding of business dynamics and marketing with healing and transformation work to support individuals wanting to make their dreams a reality. Louise is a qualified physiotherapist.
Visit her website at Peace Factory.
Hungry Ghost Retreat:
Healing the Mind in Recovery
The New Life Foundation in Chiang Rai proudly announces The Hungry Ghost Retreat: Healing the Mind in Recovery to be held March 22 -25, 2012
This Mindful Recovery Retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. This retreat is open to those new to recovery as well as those who have been in recovery for a longer time. All are welcome to sit together to discover an alternative and complementary approach to recovery and to support on-going abstinence.
Throughout the retreat, the meditation practices of Loving-kindness and Forgiveness – both essential for healing our hearts and minds – will be central to, and woven into, our daily schedule.
For the period of the retreat, retreatants are required to commit to Sila (Precepts):
- To refrain from harming any living being
- To refrain from taking what is not offered
- To refrain from sexual and sensual misconduct
- To refrain from false speech (including idle gossip, harsh and divisive speech)
- To refrain from taking substances which disturb the balance of the mind (and may lead me into committing any of the above).
It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to adopt or to adapt any of the principles discussed, and meditation practices explored. Recovering people of all faiths and none are welcome on this retreat.
The retreat’s primary facilitator will be Vince Cullen. Vince is an ex-alcoholic who has been associated with the Wat Thamkrabok monastery in Thailand and Buddhist-oriented drug and alcohol recovery since 1998. In 2009 Vince became a charter member of the Buddhist Recovery Network and established the Fifth Precept meditation for recovery group in Berkshire, UK. Vince offers recovery retreats in the UK and Ireland.
Donation (Pali : Dana) : The retreat teachings are offered in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of Dana (the practice and virtue of generosity). Vince follows the ancient Buddhist tradition of not charging for the teachings he shares. The organisations that host his retreats and workshops generally only cover his travel expenses. However, in return for his teaching and instruction, Vince gratefully accepts donations, which enable him to continue his work. If you would like to support Vince, you can do so at the end of the retreat.
Retreatants have a single room each, with shower, bed, sheets, towel and fan. Please notify us in advance if you would like a double room. Vegetarian meals are served 3 times a day. Fruit, tea and coffee will be available all day long. The retreat will include teachings, guided meditation practice and yoga with an experienced teacher. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the swimming pool and our herbal steam bath. The price for the retreat is 2,000 THB. Please help us spread the word and bring some friends.
If you are interested please contact us at info@newlifethaifoundation.com
More info on our website : www.newlifethaifoundation.com or blog: http://newlifethai.wordpress.com/
Ease into Mindfulness: A Retreat of Meditation and Gentle Yoga in the Jungles of Thailand with Steven Smith, Julie Selbt and Dharammaruwan. The retreat will be held in the south of Thailand, March 26 – April 2, 2012.
World reknowned meditation teacher Steven Smith weaves intellectual understanding with pure Dhamma transmission. Julie Seibt gently guides movement classes twice each day to support sitting, walking and reclining meditations. Dhammaruwan is reknowned for spontaneously chanting suttas in his early childhood and for his teachings to lay people in Sri Lanka and abroad.
For further information: www.jungleyoga.com or lovingkindnessretreat@gmail.com
