Monday, November 22, 2010
5.5 Sustainability and Education
Sustainability and education is getting farther than I ever heard about before. There are so many opportunities now available for our future leaders, ourselves and through so many different efforts. Education from colleges, workshops on sustainability, different movements are all being put in place to make it easier for us to join and find out what is really going on. If we are aware of the different opportunities available to get involved; we will. I like the fact that one site encouraged taking time off after high school to just work in the land, travel and become one of a culture that grows their own food. We now hurry off to school after we're finish with high school and have no skills regarding working in the fields, or hands on to take care of ourselves and families. We have lost our values at times and joined in with what we find easiest to do. I find myself taking time out to now buy locally, save energy and share information that I have learned through this class alone. I have been educated and what will I do now with it? The fact that being educated is so important and different green opportunities are available through these education systems are great. Charter schools, community living, non-violence, spirituality, working for our food instead of buying it from the store are all examples of what we can tap into. We need to tap into our resources and allow others to tap into our resources and get educated. By helping each other out we will learn in the process that we are really helping ourselves and our future generations.
5.4 Sustainability and Diversity
We currently have a chance to make a difference. We may join others in what efforts have already been started and join the movement of self sustainability, working together and having violent free communities. The only ones who will benefit is the ones who are willing to help out and help themselves. Green jobs are now being available and as this whole idea becomes bigger; maybe things will become better. There are more jobs, opportunities that are becoming available so that we will be educated in that area. The over exploitation that we are doing to ourselves have just become habit and we need to get back and join back into what we were originally taught by our parents, and ancestors. The sustainability movement will get more followers and that will become the right thing to do. We need to follow the systems approach and hopefully in the future we will see some results of the good that we are doing and not only the bad. Again, we need to pull together and get the word out about what is really going on and lift a hand to help with solutions. We need to stop dividing and become a whole. Everyone is human, and we need to put our differences aside.
"5.3 Social and Environmental Justice in Hawaii"
Desperate poverty is faced on our beautiful islands of Hawaii. Although the islands are not portrayed like it really is; it's real. We have so many homeless, jobless and people in need here in Hawaii. What's wrong with homeless and jobless if they are able to survive. That is what they know: catch their own food, take care of their children, grow, trade and help one another. I recently visited Waianae in O'ahu last month and seen with my own eyes what is going on. I was so surprised to see what was really going on in Hawaii. I did not know this was a such a problem and always thought that we did not have this problem as much as the other countries. I had thoughts of what is portrayed too; Hawaii is a great place, a beautiful place and a place that wants to be visited by tourists around the world. Our native people have been affected since 1893 when our land was overthrown by the government. It was done illegally and still the government continues to ruin the land, the people and their values. They have caused destruction and the people are hurting. They are being moved and not being able to remain on their land. It is getting worst and I hope that something gets done really soon that will take back what was given to us. It is a really sad story and the Hawaiian culture will soon be lost if nothing happens. The military have taken over and the families are suffering. Even though I am not involved with sovereignty, I feel that the people have a right to what has been and a right to get back what is legally theirs. Self sufficiency is a principle that is followed by the people and that is being taken away too. This situation is out of control....The Hawaiian culture will soon be gone and it seems that what the government wants they will have because of the power and control that they have possessed. The Hawaiians will not stop fighting ever and they need to keep trying to get what is theirs. This assignment has really made me realize that we've been violated and we need to fight harder than ever. It makes me realize more and more what the government has done.
"5.2 Sustainability, Health & Healing"
After reading in Beyond You and me- The system of taking care of yourself eventually leads into the systems theory. If you are willing to keep yourself happy, healthy and helpful towards others-change for the better may occur. By taking certain steps such as meditation, exercise or volunteering, you become more healthy both mind and body wise. By becoming aware of our needs, others and keeping good relationships; we tend to realize that we are all one and we live better. We become mindful and begin completing steps in order to live a more sustainable life that includes healing.
Sicko- Sicko is a documentary based on facts that people have with medical care and other related issues. I don't have too much knowledge regarding this topic which encourages me to get the DVD. There is a lot of issues that the United States deal with regarding medical. Other countries are better off than us in the area of medical care, regardless of the millions of dollars that we spend each year. We are #37 ranked amongst the rest and that is very sad. We need to get a better system in order to get the correct health care. We need to adopt another type of medical care system so that everyone has equal and fair medical attention. I even read that our life span is shortened due to this fact alone. Additional information is needed for me to form my ultimate opinion. I will be renting the DVD.
Sicko- Sicko is a documentary based on facts that people have with medical care and other related issues. I don't have too much knowledge regarding this topic which encourages me to get the DVD. There is a lot of issues that the United States deal with regarding medical. Other countries are better off than us in the area of medical care, regardless of the millions of dollars that we spend each year. We are #37 ranked amongst the rest and that is very sad. We need to get a better system in order to get the correct health care. We need to adopt another type of medical care system so that everyone has equal and fair medical attention. I even read that our life span is shortened due to this fact alone. Additional information is needed for me to form my ultimate opinion. I will be renting the DVD.
"Systems Theory"
1. Relating the Story of Stuff to Culture:
The clip on "stuff" opened up new thoughts in my head regarding all the stuff that we consume. When you take time out to think about what happens every time a new "stuff" is made, it's pretty scary. All the chemicals, energy, costs that are put into each product made is hazardous for our earth and for us. I enjoy stuff and in our culture we are the same. Buy stuff, buy more stuff, throw them away, and buy more. I don't know how that came about, but we are ruining our planet and depleting the natural resources too. Recycling is good but not good enough. We need to take extra steps and change our mind frame about this important subject. It's become a habit to buy stuff and buy the technology stuff too that make it easier. We also like to have the most "in" thing no matter how old you are. To stop buying so much stuff will be difficult for me, but I will try to be more mindful with my purchases.
2. Three Systems connecting to sustainability from the clip are: Energy, environment and economic development. The Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future offer education in these areas to change the minds or create new ways of making real progress for humanity. Because all of the topics listed above are interchangeable and affect one another; the center and its people are trying to create something broad that will work and encourage others to do the same in our future.
3. The environmental justice clip was very interesting. It was very creative in showing the viewers about sustainability, culture and communication. We have to be aware of all the natural resources that are being depleted and to make sure that we take on new sustaining ways in order to keep our earth going. Our world may run out of certain resources soon and the only one that we have to blame will be ourselves. We need to communicate to one another and get the word out that we can help out and step up in sustainability. We can communicate what we know to others and create new culture and new ways of doing things.
The clip on "stuff" opened up new thoughts in my head regarding all the stuff that we consume. When you take time out to think about what happens every time a new "stuff" is made, it's pretty scary. All the chemicals, energy, costs that are put into each product made is hazardous for our earth and for us. I enjoy stuff and in our culture we are the same. Buy stuff, buy more stuff, throw them away, and buy more. I don't know how that came about, but we are ruining our planet and depleting the natural resources too. Recycling is good but not good enough. We need to take extra steps and change our mind frame about this important subject. It's become a habit to buy stuff and buy the technology stuff too that make it easier. We also like to have the most "in" thing no matter how old you are. To stop buying so much stuff will be difficult for me, but I will try to be more mindful with my purchases.
2. Three Systems connecting to sustainability from the clip are: Energy, environment and economic development. The Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future offer education in these areas to change the minds or create new ways of making real progress for humanity. Because all of the topics listed above are interchangeable and affect one another; the center and its people are trying to create something broad that will work and encourage others to do the same in our future.
3. The environmental justice clip was very interesting. It was very creative in showing the viewers about sustainability, culture and communication. We have to be aware of all the natural resources that are being depleted and to make sure that we take on new sustaining ways in order to keep our earth going. Our world may run out of certain resources soon and the only one that we have to blame will be ourselves. We need to communicate to one another and get the word out that we can help out and step up in sustainability. We can communicate what we know to others and create new culture and new ways of doing things.
Monday, November 8, 2010
"Group Contract"
Team 3: Today not Tomorrow
We have definitely had challenges working through this project. Even though I was assigned with being the leader; the other teammates contribute just as much. We expect each other to be on the same page and complete all tasks equally.
Communication is a big part of team process and we try our best to get in touch with the others. At times, an e-mail does not get to the designated person or not in a timely manner and communication is lost. We have experienced this more than once and with more than one person. At that time, both parties may feel left out or even irritated. It is at that time, that we should take extra measures in order to make sure everyone is still a team.
For our group project we decided to volunteer and help clean up South Point beach on Saturday November 13, 2010. We found this volunteer project through the university and Student Service Corps.
Our group expectations consist of meeting times, information we have to discuss during the meeting, member responsibilities, and communicating about missing or switching meeting times and dates.
For our group meetings we communicate through email, phone calls, and skype. We have all agreed upon being in charge of taking the minutes for when we meet and posting them on the blog. As a group we have all agreed that meeting though skype works best for us because of people's work, class, and personal schedules. If one of the group members are not able to attend the meeting they will let us know via email or phone so we can fill them in or move the date to accommodate everyone.
The jobs assigned to each person have been assigned and are expected to be complete, if they are not one of the other members or the remaining members in the group will complete this but will take note of the absence.
If there is anything else that should be added to this assignment, please let me know. Thanks!
We have definitely had challenges working through this project. Even though I was assigned with being the leader; the other teammates contribute just as much. We expect each other to be on the same page and complete all tasks equally.
Communication is a big part of team process and we try our best to get in touch with the others. At times, an e-mail does not get to the designated person or not in a timely manner and communication is lost. We have experienced this more than once and with more than one person. At that time, both parties may feel left out or even irritated. It is at that time, that we should take extra measures in order to make sure everyone is still a team.
For our group project we decided to volunteer and help clean up South Point beach on Saturday November 13, 2010. We found this volunteer project through the university and Student Service Corps.
Our group expectations consist of meeting times, information we have to discuss during the meeting, member responsibilities, and communicating about missing or switching meeting times and dates.
For our group meetings we communicate through email, phone calls, and skype. We have all agreed upon being in charge of taking the minutes for when we meet and posting them on the blog. As a group we have all agreed that meeting though skype works best for us because of people's work, class, and personal schedules. If one of the group members are not able to attend the meeting they will let us know via email or phone so we can fill them in or move the date to accommodate everyone.
The jobs assigned to each person have been assigned and are expected to be complete, if they are not one of the other members or the remaining members in the group will complete this but will take note of the absence.
If there is anything else that should be added to this assignment, please let me know. Thanks!
"Podcast"
The entire podcast was interesting. Listening to question answer type audio with Dr. Becker was informative and it was interesting listening to what it was like living in Ecovillage Ithaca.
It was great to hear that there are challenges and that it is not easy all the time living in an ecovillage. It takes a lot of hard work and effort in order to live in a new setting such as that. I enjoyed hearing about alternatives to transportation such as electric biking, walking, or carpooling. I have not given up my vehicle either and I'm not sure if I'll be able to. Vehicles are so convenient.
I also agreed and enjoyed listening to having a sense of community. I have recently wanted to get involved with the neighborhood that I already live in; when I started this course. But, I haven't had much time, so I continued to put it off. Unfortunately a crime was committed and my home was burglarized. That forced me to go and see my neighbors, walk down the road hoping to find out information, talk to the leaders and find out how to get involved so that I could feel that sense of community. I was already violated and I wanted to catch this person who had taken my feeling of safety away. Sure enough, there was welcoming people in my neighborhood who I have never met, a neighborhood watch intact and continuous support and requests for me to become involved with our neighborhood functions along with my family. I was overwhelmed by how much support and how good it felt to have that "feeling of community". I will get involved as much as possible and they now have my phone number etc. so that they can contact me for neighborhood meetings regarding crime, family, new projects etc.
Behavior Change:
Earlier in the semester, I wanted to change the fact that I use too much electricity, did not buy locally and ate too much meat. I have definitely cut down on the electric. I take the chargers out of the wall when not in use, as well as turn off excess lights, radios and use less of the dryer. I go to the swap meet on the weekends despite of a negative situation that I ran into: I went to buy vegetables which I thought was locally grown, only to find out that when I mentioned through conversation what I was doing and how I was doing it for a college course, the guy snickered. I asked him what was he snickering about, he said that they did not actually grow it; but instead bought it in bulk from the mainland and sold it for less at the swap meet. I was so deterred to continue "buying local," that I returned the fruits/veggies and moved on to a vendor who said that they at least grew it here on the island. (Who to trust? ) After that though, I'm not sure and the only way that I can be sure is if I grow it myself. I have yet to start a fruit and vegetable garden though.
I will continue to be aware of behavior changes and be mindful in this area.
It was great to hear that there are challenges and that it is not easy all the time living in an ecovillage. It takes a lot of hard work and effort in order to live in a new setting such as that. I enjoyed hearing about alternatives to transportation such as electric biking, walking, or carpooling. I have not given up my vehicle either and I'm not sure if I'll be able to. Vehicles are so convenient.
I also agreed and enjoyed listening to having a sense of community. I have recently wanted to get involved with the neighborhood that I already live in; when I started this course. But, I haven't had much time, so I continued to put it off. Unfortunately a crime was committed and my home was burglarized. That forced me to go and see my neighbors, walk down the road hoping to find out information, talk to the leaders and find out how to get involved so that I could feel that sense of community. I was already violated and I wanted to catch this person who had taken my feeling of safety away. Sure enough, there was welcoming people in my neighborhood who I have never met, a neighborhood watch intact and continuous support and requests for me to become involved with our neighborhood functions along with my family. I was overwhelmed by how much support and how good it felt to have that "feeling of community". I will get involved as much as possible and they now have my phone number etc. so that they can contact me for neighborhood meetings regarding crime, family, new projects etc.
Behavior Change:
Earlier in the semester, I wanted to change the fact that I use too much electricity, did not buy locally and ate too much meat. I have definitely cut down on the electric. I take the chargers out of the wall when not in use, as well as turn off excess lights, radios and use less of the dryer. I go to the swap meet on the weekends despite of a negative situation that I ran into: I went to buy vegetables which I thought was locally grown, only to find out that when I mentioned through conversation what I was doing and how I was doing it for a college course, the guy snickered. I asked him what was he snickering about, he said that they did not actually grow it; but instead bought it in bulk from the mainland and sold it for less at the swap meet. I was so deterred to continue "buying local," that I returned the fruits/veggies and moved on to a vendor who said that they at least grew it here on the island. (Who to trust? ) After that though, I'm not sure and the only way that I can be sure is if I grow it myself. I have yet to start a fruit and vegetable garden though.
I will continue to be aware of behavior changes and be mindful in this area.
"4.1 Leadership"
Leadership is a very important quality and we are all capable of becoming a leader. I've also realized that followers are very important too. Sometimes it may take 1, 2, 3 or more people to join an effort to make others realize that it is important enough to become engaged, so that others follow too. Leaders need followers and vice versa.
After reading different inspiring stories about leadership in both the textbook and seeing a few videos online; this makes me feel like it is possible to take charge and follow through with whatever I want to. This class focuses on sustainability, culture and community and with all the efforts being taken, I should jump on it and join in the efforts too, or maybe I am already and haven't noticed until now.
Becoming a leader in our community is not hard to do, if you are open to new ideas. I think that I already possess leadership skills and that I should use that to pursue topics such as helping the earth, recycling, conserving and increasing social skills within the youth so that they realize that they can be leaders too. I currently work with youth in our community and have created community service projects, gender specific groups, recycling center excursions etc. I have also been recently trained in a money curriculum that shows our youth to buy locally and not spend so foolishly. We need to get back to the basics and help out one another instead of stepping on each other to get ahead. This is also important to teach our youth so that they are aware of what is "really" going on with our earth.
Honestly, this is not a topic that I even discuss. But it is something that I want to start discussing because it is so important. As I begin to talk about it and take the initiative to create more projects for the youth; they will become aware and hopefully take on their own initiative and teach others too. They may even become a leader of a future movement one day.
Communication and culture is definitely barriers that we need to overcome. I recently have come into contact with youth that I am unable to understand due to language and value differences. At first, it was easy to just say I am unable to teach the youth because I was unaware of his culture, but after meeting the youth and realizing that not being understood was the main reason why he was being violent; i know that I had to step out of my comfort zone and help him out.
I recruited a interpreter so that I could teach and understand at the same time. It was not easy, but with time and understanding, it worked! This youth now has completed a violence prevention program through our agency, helped beautify the community with yard work and also becoming a positive role model for others. He is teaching others that comes from his island how to get along with people here in Hawaii and they are learning from him that it is okay to talk about issues without using violence. If I had not gone the extra step to help this youth, I would have never had the chance to teach him to feel accepted even though we are from different cultures. He has also shared with me about his island, his values and also the similarities that we do share. After experiencing this with the specific youth, I have learned that stepping out of our comfort zone works! We need to take additional steps to make our world a better place!
After reading different inspiring stories about leadership in both the textbook and seeing a few videos online; this makes me feel like it is possible to take charge and follow through with whatever I want to. This class focuses on sustainability, culture and community and with all the efforts being taken, I should jump on it and join in the efforts too, or maybe I am already and haven't noticed until now.
Becoming a leader in our community is not hard to do, if you are open to new ideas. I think that I already possess leadership skills and that I should use that to pursue topics such as helping the earth, recycling, conserving and increasing social skills within the youth so that they realize that they can be leaders too. I currently work with youth in our community and have created community service projects, gender specific groups, recycling center excursions etc. I have also been recently trained in a money curriculum that shows our youth to buy locally and not spend so foolishly. We need to get back to the basics and help out one another instead of stepping on each other to get ahead. This is also important to teach our youth so that they are aware of what is "really" going on with our earth.
Honestly, this is not a topic that I even discuss. But it is something that I want to start discussing because it is so important. As I begin to talk about it and take the initiative to create more projects for the youth; they will become aware and hopefully take on their own initiative and teach others too. They may even become a leader of a future movement one day.
Communication and culture is definitely barriers that we need to overcome. I recently have come into contact with youth that I am unable to understand due to language and value differences. At first, it was easy to just say I am unable to teach the youth because I was unaware of his culture, but after meeting the youth and realizing that not being understood was the main reason why he was being violent; i know that I had to step out of my comfort zone and help him out.
I recruited a interpreter so that I could teach and understand at the same time. It was not easy, but with time and understanding, it worked! This youth now has completed a violence prevention program through our agency, helped beautify the community with yard work and also becoming a positive role model for others. He is teaching others that comes from his island how to get along with people here in Hawaii and they are learning from him that it is okay to talk about issues without using violence. If I had not gone the extra step to help this youth, I would have never had the chance to teach him to feel accepted even though we are from different cultures. He has also shared with me about his island, his values and also the similarities that we do share. After experiencing this with the specific youth, I have learned that stepping out of our comfort zone works! We need to take additional steps to make our world a better place!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Module 4, Assignment 5: "Communication, Media and Social Change."
According to Wikipedia, "Culture Jamming is a tactic used by consumer social movements to disrupt mainstream cultural institutions including corporate advertisements."
Culture jamming encourages humans who see the advertisements to step out of their comfort zone and think. For example they use the Nike Swoop sign in order to get the attention of the public to see the negative side of it. They tried to show that Nike uses sweat shops. Another example showed a popular brand but then diverted it to a woman throwing up over a toilet; showing an eating disorder to stay skinny. Advertisements catch our eye and we are used to seeing these everywhere. Only after I read the article, I realized that I do remember seeing such tactics as these.
The idea of culture jamming is still in question. With any other tactic, this too is being judged and looked at for pros and cons. Some say that they lose their power in the end and that it is only temporary. My opinion is that this is a tactic that may get the attention of those who will realize and to those who may not have seen otherwise. So culture jamming is another way of "getting the word out"; power to them! Being aware is the first step to taking action.
Culture jamming encourages humans who see the advertisements to step out of their comfort zone and think. For example they use the Nike Swoop sign in order to get the attention of the public to see the negative side of it. They tried to show that Nike uses sweat shops. Another example showed a popular brand but then diverted it to a woman throwing up over a toilet; showing an eating disorder to stay skinny. Advertisements catch our eye and we are used to seeing these everywhere. Only after I read the article, I realized that I do remember seeing such tactics as these.
The idea of culture jamming is still in question. With any other tactic, this too is being judged and looked at for pros and cons. Some say that they lose their power in the end and that it is only temporary. My opinion is that this is a tactic that may get the attention of those who will realize and to those who may not have seen otherwise. So culture jamming is another way of "getting the word out"; power to them! Being aware is the first step to taking action.
"4.4 Communicating Hope & the Future"
What the World would look like Global Oneness Project: www.mrcse.org/index.php
The Global Oneness Project is determined to show that interconnectedness can be incorporated within our world. It is not easy, but can we get our act together in order to help out? Through our different challenges and the media, it is very difficult to step out and let go of the ways of the world. The people who need to grasp this idea are not willing they say. If they have to step out of their comforts; they will not have it. Everyone seems to want more and more. Even though we need only a little bit to be comfortable; we want all the things shown on the media, through advertisements. We want it all. We want to live like kings and queens and that is the ways that condone aggression and violence. This creates deeper seperation from our world.
We need to create a future that our people/future generations will look at and not want to sit back. We need to see change and transformation. They/We need to buy in to this new ways of sustainability, communication and get to know one another, help out and create additional steps towards saving our earth. Human beings can go either way: create peace or war. If we all work together to solve conflicts instead of creating more; we may get somewhere. People need to experience a world of oneness. We need new beliefs and to get involved with the feeling of justice and respecting everyone regardless of color, religious belief or economic status. We need to come together as one, share our strengths and join in the efforts of sustainability, culture and communication; although easier said than done.
The Global Oneness Project is determined to show that interconnectedness can be incorporated within our world. It is not easy, but can we get our act together in order to help out? Through our different challenges and the media, it is very difficult to step out and let go of the ways of the world. The people who need to grasp this idea are not willing they say. If they have to step out of their comforts; they will not have it. Everyone seems to want more and more. Even though we need only a little bit to be comfortable; we want all the things shown on the media, through advertisements. We want it all. We want to live like kings and queens and that is the ways that condone aggression and violence. This creates deeper seperation from our world.
We need to create a future that our people/future generations will look at and not want to sit back. We need to see change and transformation. They/We need to buy in to this new ways of sustainability, communication and get to know one another, help out and create additional steps towards saving our earth. Human beings can go either way: create peace or war. If we all work together to solve conflicts instead of creating more; we may get somewhere. People need to experience a world of oneness. We need new beliefs and to get involved with the feeling of justice and respecting everyone regardless of color, religious belief or economic status. We need to come together as one, share our strengths and join in the efforts of sustainability, culture and communication; although easier said than done.
Module 4: Assignment 3 "Part A Conflict"
Although conflict is a part of every human's life, we are able to use non violent communication if we try. Non violent communication is based on historical principles of nonviolence. It is a way of communication that does not hurt,shame or guilt ourselves or another individual. By using an assertive style of communicating, being mindful and being able to agree to disagree are all ways that we can try and start engaging with to reduce violence.
I enjoyed finding out about the non violent communication site @ http://www.cnvc.org/. I work with youth and my goal is to give them tools to work with so that they can reduce violence in their lives. When we meet, I listen to the violent incidents that they have been involved with. At first, they feel shame to talk about it, guilt and remorse at times too. I empathize with them and show them that anger is okay and that anger is a feeling. We talk about feelings and how we must share them with others so that they understand what we are going through. I often explain to the youth that the other party is not exactly sure about what is going on with us unless we express ourselves clearly. To grasp this fact is not easy. It takes a lot of practice.
A quote by Dr. Rosenburg stated: "Violence in any form is a tragic expression of our unmet needs. " I honestly believe in this quote 100% and I try to express this when we go through violent scenarios. We always try to stress the positive: What can we do to make the situation better?; instead of What have I done wrong? Obviously if we have acted out violently, we must have learned that from someone, somewhere or something. We need to increase the communication and the more that we are able to show that we can communicate nonviolently; the easier it will be for others to join in and utilize the same communication style. If we are able to listen when someone's need is unmet and try to help, there is a greater chance that the conflict will get resolved in a peaceful way. A lot of times we are used to coming up with rebuttals and trying to win at an argument. When one wins, another loses. Even though the violence act may be over; resentment occurs when the solution is one-sided. Everyone needs to agree that the need is being met and no one is being hurt in the process.
There are additional tools to help with the process of nonviolent communication on the site. There are interactive games, finger puppets, cd's and books on the NVC site too.
I enjoyed finding out about the non violent communication site @ http://www.cnvc.org/. I work with youth and my goal is to give them tools to work with so that they can reduce violence in their lives. When we meet, I listen to the violent incidents that they have been involved with. At first, they feel shame to talk about it, guilt and remorse at times too. I empathize with them and show them that anger is okay and that anger is a feeling. We talk about feelings and how we must share them with others so that they understand what we are going through. I often explain to the youth that the other party is not exactly sure about what is going on with us unless we express ourselves clearly. To grasp this fact is not easy. It takes a lot of practice.
A quote by Dr. Rosenburg stated: "Violence in any form is a tragic expression of our unmet needs. " I honestly believe in this quote 100% and I try to express this when we go through violent scenarios. We always try to stress the positive: What can we do to make the situation better?; instead of What have I done wrong? Obviously if we have acted out violently, we must have learned that from someone, somewhere or something. We need to increase the communication and the more that we are able to show that we can communicate nonviolently; the easier it will be for others to join in and utilize the same communication style. If we are able to listen when someone's need is unmet and try to help, there is a greater chance that the conflict will get resolved in a peaceful way. A lot of times we are used to coming up with rebuttals and trying to win at an argument. When one wins, another loses. Even though the violence act may be over; resentment occurs when the solution is one-sided. Everyone needs to agree that the need is being met and no one is being hurt in the process.
There are additional tools to help with the process of nonviolent communication on the site. There are interactive games, finger puppets, cd's and books on the NVC site too.
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