by Yvette Erasmus | Nov 29, 2021 | Acceptance, Collaboration, Communication, NVC
One of my happiest teaching memories is teaching theater and improv to 8th graders in Egypt in the late 1990s. I’ve never laughed so much while teaching in my life.One game we’d often play was built on the principle of “Yes, and…” If you aren’t familiar with this... by Yvette Erasmus | Nov 6, 2018 | Communication, NVC
Like many people in the United States these days, I’ve been feeling disbelief and dismay at the vitriolic and derisive discourse that has become more normalized than ever. More than ever, we need to find a way forward that brings... by Yvette Erasmus | Nov 14, 2017 | Communication
Have you ever you said “I’m sorry” to someone just to get them to stop being upset with you?From the time we are little, we are often taught to “say you’re sorry” to others, but what does this really mean?Let’s start with a hilarious clip, in which Joey and... by Yvette Erasmus | Oct 24, 2017 | Communication
The other night at dinner, Jessie reminded me of the time that she came home with a container of Hermit Crabs that she and her dad had bought at the mall.“You were so unhappy about it,” she reminded me, laughing.I was.(They belong on beaches, free. But,... by Yvette Erasmus | Oct 17, 2017 | Communication
In one of my all-time favorites movies, The Matrix, (This clip) Morpheus offers Neo a choice that would transform his life: “You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to... by Yvette Erasmus | Sep 12, 2017 | Communication, Courage, Empowerment, NVC
When I get triggered by something, I often find myself reacting defensively by blaming, judging and avoiding the person or conversation.I get all reactive and evasive.When my instincts are to fight, or flee or freeze up, it can be hard to stay relational,...