WHAT IS ZENVC?

ZENVC offers the principles and practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), often referred to as Compassionate Communication, from the perspective of a Zen meditator.

Whereas Nonviolent Communication, developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., is often taught as a set of nonviolent language skills, ZENVC offers an understanding of how to BE nonviolence, through incorporating transformational inner practices and an emphasis on nonverbal presence as the basis for engaging others. By doing so, ZENVC helps you stay connected to the heart of any dialogue, opening the gateway to compassionate resolution of everyone's needs. This approach is well-suited to individuals who want to be real, as well as compassionate, in their interactions with others.

For spiritual progressives, engaged Buddhists, Christian peacemakers, and anyone who values love as the basis of all meaningful action, ZENVC can also be used to support spiritual connection in the everyday world, intrapersonally and interpersonally, even with those who may not share your beliefs.

Currently, ZENVC is being offered in the form of workshops, classes, and groups (see Learning for current offerings). To set up a ZENVC event in your area, contact Jesse (see Contact).

 

WHO IS ZENVC?

ZENVC, the organization, was founded by JESSE WIENS in 2006. Jesse studies nonviolence by living it, drawing inspiration from 7 years of Zen monastic training, under the guidance of many wonderful teachers, including Tenshin Reb Anderson and Toni Packer, and 6 years of dedicated Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training, including 2 years in Robert Gonzales' LIFE program and a year with BayNVC's Restorative Justice program in San Quentin Prison. Together with his partner Catherine, Jesse offers support and training in being nonviolence for individuals, organizations, and groups internationally.

CATHERINE CADDEN is a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication, bringing over ten years of experience practicing, living and teaching Nonviolent Communication (NVC) internationally to participants of all ages. She founded the TEMBA School in 1997, a visionary K-8 academic program rooted in nonviolent philosophy, NVC, sustainable living, and artistic expression. She honors her teachers Jack Kornfield, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Ram Dass as well as Stephen and Ondrea Levine for supporting, inspiring and influencing her spiritual path with a daily mind and heart practice in being nonviolence.