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 | Mar 20, 2018 | Compassion, NVC
Last week, I got an full immersion experience into what it means to work at the edge of my comfort zone and expand into my yesses. When I was invited to be a guest on Marianne Combs’ show on Minnesota Public... by Yvette Erasmus | Mar 7, 2018 | Compassion, Empathy, NVC
I was recently re-organizing some handouts that I often use for workshops, and came across this one on the difference between empathic and non-empathic responses.Reading it again, I was surprised to find myself arguing with my own handout, and realized that... by Yvette Erasmus | Feb 6, 2018 | NVC, Self-sabotage, Suffering
Have you noticed the cultural pressure to “Be Positive” or “Be Strong” or “Focus on the Good”?It’s as if we think that acknowledging or empathizing with painful experiences inadvertently creates more of them.I hear it all the time.“I would never... by Yvette Erasmus | Jan 30, 2018 | Compassion, NVC
Whenever I ask for something relational that I’m needing (comfort, affection, to be heard or seen) I feel super vulnerable. This isn’t easy.I worry about:1. Being turned down2. Feeling disappointed, and3. Then judging myself for being too needy,...