Letter -- Judy Lloyd
When we lose compassion for “the other side,” we lose our ability to
resolve problems. If we can’t or won’t have empathy with their situation,
the “other side” will simply remain angry and tune us out.
Oscar Asbed Pogarian and Lenore Solis took a revolutionary approach to
Iva Carrico in their recent letters to the News-Press. Instead of
condemning Iva, they offered her empathy. Instead of punishment, they
offered compassion. At the same time, they made it clear that they
strongly disagree with, and feel saddened by, the words she spoke before
the City Council.
These two people managed to stay connected to their compassionate
nature under extremely trying circumstances. How did they do that?
We are fortunate to have a wonderful nonprofit resource in our midst
that teaches people how to do what these two did. The Center for
Nonviolent Communication, which recently moved its headquarters to La
Crescenta, was founded by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, an internationally
renowned peacemaker. The center teaches “nonviolent communication.” which
is described as “the lost language of humankind, the language of a people
who care about one another and long to live in harmony.” The center is
developing a nonviolent communication curriculum for schools.
Rosenberg is rarely at the center because he teaches nonviolent
communication in major “hot spots” throughout the world. His goal is to
help people and governments resolve what seem to be unresolvable
conflicts. Rosenberg has also written a book, “Nonviolent Communication,
a Language of Compassion,” that is a guide for those who want to resolve
conflicts and create better relationships.
If you long for peace and harmony here in Glendale, contact the center
and find out about nonviolent communication. The phone number is
957-6493. Gary Baran is the center’s director. If you prefer to contact
me for more information, my e-mail address is judy@dlloyd.com.
We can make this city a better place for all of us if we have the
right tools.
JUDY LLOYD
Glendale