A Poem

Ah, wily Spring - I could sense the green growing colors, taste your sweetness, sway with you in the warm breeze, feel the lift of my spirits - and BAM! Big storm bearing down hard - half a foot of heavy wet snow and blankness cloaked in white from horizon to the end...

Celebrations and Mournings

This is an invitation to share your daily celebrations or mournings - the same way we did in circle. Creating powerful connections - and sustaining the sense of community!

I am celebrating my new PT position as Program Coordinator for Full Circle Center for Restorative Justice. Our Board has been working tirelessly for years to get RJ into our community - lots of volunteer time and trainings. Now we are up and running - but a very fledgling organization that needs a foothold in our justice system. I am stepping down from the Board to take up administrative management of this NVC-based organization - mainly to benefit juveniles - and to bring healing to the victims.

Peace & Justice,
Patty

Jackal-ing

Hope you are all safe and still full of the NVC spirit.

I need to seriously work on my skills. Why - oh why - is it so much easier to say to my husband in passing "Is the dishwasher ever going to be unloaded since it looks like I need to stack a sink full of dishes in it." (Or something along those lines.)

That was my passive agressive jackal speaking. Maybe I can pass it off with getting home from work past 9 p.m. after driving 45 minutes over icy roads "on a dark desert highway."

No matter. I am definitely slipping. It takes so much time to formulate NVC phrases and my energy level was really low.

I can say now that my need for safety and peace of mind was not met by the drive or by where we live and that I was feeling anxious, tired and disillusioned. (Is that a "feeling"?) And that my need for order and a general sense of partnership was not met.

My plan is to take the time - be conscious - and then speak in a caring, empathetic fashion. My husband was weary as well.

He still wonders why I spend so much effort, energy and dollars on something that obviously "isn't working." I can do better.

Anyone else have a similar story - or some empathy - to share?

Peace,
Patty

Welcome, Giraffes!

I am filled with gratitude that you made the effort to find our new blog for CL 10 and sincerely hope that you may be moved to share your thoughts and feeling with others in our group - and beyond.

Please send photos and content to my email (available in our group roster online).

Much love and peace to all,
Patty (Jean)