Holding the Hard Times Safely

We never know who is going through a hard time at any given moment, and often people in your midst do not know if you are going through hard times either. And hard times often bring out stressed behaviors. This basic fact may compel humans to hold a compassionate light toward one another, to assume people are doing their best and might need a hand. It means that practicing a default mode of kindness can be a balm to the wounds we and others might be experiencing.

The stress of change and challenges can bring great clarity to some and a fog to others. Having a guide who can help you and your family through the rough seas of grief is helpful. There is nothing like good resources to guide people through tough challenges. As adults guide children along this path, it is reassuring to know there are some deep and valuable resources. It is also important to breathe on purpose and foster compassion for yourself and those around you.

Holding your heart with compassion helps you have compassion for others as well. This is a basic principle in the work of Non-Violent Communication (NVC), and there are many resources online to offer guidance, as well as courses and books, through which one can grow.

Nonviolent Communication integrates:

Consciousness – A set of principles that support living a life of compassion, collaboration, courage, and authenticity.

Language – Understanding how words contribute to connection or distance.

Communication – Knowing how to ask for what you want, how to hear others even in disagreement, and how to move forward towards solutions that work for all.

Means of influence – Sharing “power with others” rather than using “power over others”.

Learn more at nonviolentcommunication.com.