Learning Opportunities:

Private Workshops:

“I have experienced Penny Wassman's depth of knowledge in Nonviolent Communication and can say without question that her dedication, knowledge and ability to share this work will enable those who are intent on enhancing their connection with others to enrich those communications, both personal and professional.”
Leah Bailey, A/Executive Director, Compliance & Regulatory Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Province of British Columbia

Individual Sessions:

“For several months, Penny met with my ex-partner and I while we were dealing with the painful process of redefining our relationship. She helped transform our despair and confusion by clarifying feelings that were alive in us, needs we wanted met, and strategies that fostered increased honesty and harmony in our relationship. She supported us in ways that deeply met needs for mutuality, empathy, growth, and healing. I believe the tenderness and trust that (my ex-partner) and I experience in our friendship and co-parenting connection today has much to do with the quality of support and guidance we experienced with Penny many months ago. Penny, it seems, simply makes it easier for people to remember how much they yearn to love and to be loved, and to behave in ways that are most likely to manifest that.”
Individual Session Client

Public Workshops:

VICTORIA, BC: "Compassionate Communication", an introductory workshop to the Nonviolent Communication Process"

Location: Suite #1 - 27 Olympia Avenue Victoria, BC. (Olympia Ave. is 1 block west of the corner of Douglas St & Dallas Rd.)
Fee: $180 for both days (includes GST).

Content: This two-day workshop is offered as an introduction to NVC (Nonviolent Communication) consciousness. It is designed so that participants will understand and begin to support themselves with self-empathy awareness and to enhance empathic presence for others. With this developing awareness, participants can look forward to increasing harmony, mutual empowerment and authentic connection in their lives - at work, at home and at play.

Registration: Pre-registration requested. Contact Penny Wassman toll-free: 1-877-722-2239 or email Penny at pwassman@shaw.ca

GABRIOLA ISLAND, BC: "Nonviolent Communication - a Process of Life" - A 7-Day Residential Retreat

Location: the Haven Resort on Gabriola Island
Fee: Tuition Fees: $850 (early registration) $955 after Apr 24/09. Accommodation extra.

This affordable 7-day retreat at the Haven Resort on Gabriola Island is designed to support the ongoing development of NVC consciousness, whether participants are new to NVC or relatively experienced. Beginning on Friday evening, with an opening circle for sharing and connecting, the retreat will flow into Saturday with a full-day NVC review - an opportunity for seasoned NVCers to learn new ways to enhance their own outreach and for those new to NVC to learn the process. The balance of the week will deepen the process for all, with an emphasis on the spiritual foundation of the NVC process, natural and authentic expression, transforming pain, and deepening empathy skills.

Benefits of This Training:

1. Build community as you deepen NVC awareness and skills. This carefully crafted training is designed to assist participants to connect with one another, form mutual support groups and to sustain awareness over time.
2. Coached Practice Sessions with CNVC Assessor and Certified Trainer, Penny Wassman. With 10 years experience offering NVC trainings including 3 years as an assessor for North/South America for the global Center for Nonviolent Communication, and as a Certified Trainer at several CNVC International Intensive Sessions (IIT's), Penny brings her unique expertise and gentle presence to support your learning and growth throughout this NVC retreat. You'll have an opportunity to practice NVC with guidance, compassion, and support, whether your aim is to broaden awareness in your personal life, teach the process to others, impact positive social change in the world... or all three.
3. Relaxation, Beauty and Fun. The idyllic waterfront setting on Gabriola Island, resort amenities, and a training structured with afternoon and evening breaks will support you to learn NVC, enjoy nature and have fun too. Be sure to bring ideas, props and musical instruments if you have them for the "No-Talent Show" on Thursday evening.

This training will include opportunities to:

• Understand the spiritual dimension of human needs as you become the bridge between the outer dimension - the pain and chaos of our human conditioning - and the inner dimension - the true authentic self.
• Increase your awareness of your own inner chatter- projections, moralistic judgements, right/wrong thinking, blame, criticism - and learn to embrace it honestly and with compassion as you own the difference between the chatter and what you are truly observing.
• Transform lingering pain as you harvest the living energy of underlying needs.
• Discover core self-deprecating beliefs that repeat throughout your day-to-day life and use this awareness to understand your deepest yearnings.
• Work through apparently "conflicting" needs to align your choices with authenticity and with full commitment to life.
• Enhance your own empathic power as you learn to really "listen" to others whether or not you agree with their choices in life.... as in the words of poet and spiritualist, Mark Nepo: "In the practice of our days, to listen is to lean in, softly, with a willingness to be changed by what we hear."(from Mark Nepo "The Exquisite Risk - Daring to Live an Authentic Life").
• Express yourself freely, authentically, compassionately and naturally.

Course Schedule:

Date	Event	Time
Friday 8 May	Course begins - first session	7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Saturday 9 through Thursday 14 May	Breakfast First session Lunch Free Time Second session Dinner Open Time for participant offerings or practise. "No-Talent Show" on Thursday 14 May	8.00 to 9.00 am 9.00 to noon Noon to 1.00 pm 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm 3.00 to 6.00 pm 6.00 to 7.00 pm 7.00 to 9.30 pm
Friday 15 May	Final session	9.00 to noon

Participant comments from Penny's prior trainings:

"Penny radiates unconditional love and knows all the little pieces of skill and NVC wisdom too. I guess I'm high right now - she seems like a living miracle."

"Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the NVC work AND more than that for your willingness to be transparent simultaneously with presenting. My needs for connection, authenticity and for community were/are so fully met. Your naturalness and humour and confidence were shining through your being."

"Magical and transformative."

"This is transformational work that will serve you your whole life thru all ages and stages."

"Enlightening - So useful in personal and professional growth"

“Thank you for your presence of caring, gentleness, being in the moment, paying 100% attention, patience, demonstrating. It has been a reminder and a role model for me giving more clarity and direction to where I want to be. I feel hopeful, excited and challenged.”

Registration: For more Information or to Register: http://haven.ca/db/a.courseDetail/id.232