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Join NVC trainer Liv Monroe for her next fun and engaging Introduction to Nonviolent Communication. Learn usable skills to reduce criticism, blame, defensiveness.... gain proficiency in communicating honestly, in connecting with your own and other's real feelings and needs, and in asking for what you want.

Monday, June 2, 6:45 to 9 PM, at the Lincoln Elementary School cafeteria, 213 21st Ave. SE, Olympia. For info, call Liv at 357-4503. No charge but donations are appreciated.

for more information about nonviolent communication: Center for Nonviolent Communication

I started an Improv class tonight at the Olympia Center. It's actually a continuation of a class that Tammy was already going to - when the instructor decided to extend it new people were able to join. I had done a lot of this in Drama Class, but that was nearly twenty years ago.

One of our exercises made me think of how we've been trying to stay productive, constructive and positive in our communications and dialogue here. The game is called Yes, And. Two volunteers start - they are given a location by someone in the audience. One participant takes the initiative and starts talking. The other player responds "Yes, and...", continuing the train of thought. The first player continues "Yes, and..." and it keeps on going until either it's played its course or the instructor moves it along.

Tammy and I were together for one; someone suggested a hair salon for our location. Tammy said the first line:

T: Okay sir, have a seat and we'll get started. First we need to shampoo your hair.

M: Yes, and be sure to use the Industrial Shampoo, this is my first shower all year!

T:Yesss, and I'll just put these gloves on first. [Her change in tone was allowable, she still said the obligatory "Yes, and..."]

M: Yes, and you'll want to be gentle, my hair's been falling out by the handful these past few months.

T: Yes, and I think I'll get the broom ready before we start.

M: Yes, and you'll want a big wastebin.

Now of course in an Improv setting it's going to get silly, perhaps exaggerated, but when the instructor explained that the purpose of "Yes, and..." was for affirmation and moving it along I realized it could be sound advice for Olyblog.

Details
"The language we use affects how we think which in turn affects how we feel and act. Dr. Marshall Rosenberg has developed a simple yet radical communication process, Nonviolent Communication(sm), aka NVC(sm), with the potential for changing how others hear and respond to us (without defensiveness or blame) and how we view others and ourselves (without blame, shame or criticism). This workshop offers instruction, discussion, experiential learning, and the opportunity for you to decide if this process fits for you."