In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with the late Cathan Kabrelian, a leading expert in compassionate communication. Cathan was a trainer, speaker, retreat leader, and mentor, known for integrating compassionate communication into a wide range of fields, from education to corporate environments. Through her work as a trauma-informed Needs-Awareness Trainer, Certified Mindfulness Instructor, and Breath Coach, Cathan brought a unique depth to understanding and teaching not only effective communication skills but the self-awareness skills to transform conversations and relationships at work, at home, and in all those third spaces. Together, Cathan and I discussed why compassionate communication matters and how you can use it to live a more self-aware, wonderful, and connected life.Key TopicsIn the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including:What is compassionate or non-violent communication, and why is it importantThe importance of feelings and needs awareness to life and relationshipsThe OFNR framework of observation, feelings, needs, requestsHow to translate thoughts and judgments into needsFeelings as a “radar” for detecting what we needShifting from blaming others to identifying our own values and needsWhy self-connection is necessary to connect with othersThree ways to navigate challenging feelingsTwo ways to practice compassionate communication - formal and real-lifeUsing compassionate communication at workAnd much more...Learn More About Cathan and NVCCathan's websiteIn Loving MemoryNVC by Marshall RosenbergNew York Center for NVCThe Compassion Course by Thom Bond and teamNotes,Mentions, and ResourcesIdentity - not just WHO we are or WHAT we do or believe but HOW we arePerformance - achieving tasks towards a goal with creativity, skill, and compassionate consideration of needsLearning - understanding something better than we did beforeLearning-Performance "Loops" - Learn, Practice, Perform.Compassionate/Non-Violent Communication (NVC)Needs awarenessNon-Violent Communication (NVC) by Marshall RosenbergOFNR Framework - Observations, Feelings, Needs, RequestsObservations - what we notice about ourselves, others, and the worldFeelings - sensations stimulated by met or unmet needsNeeds - universal life impulses; drivers of actionsRequests/Strategies - ways to meet our needsCompassion Course OnlineThe Compassion Book by Thom BondNY Center for NVC (NYCNVC)Effective practice is intentional, focused, awareTranslating Judgments Practice - translating judgments into feelings and needs/valuesShifting from judgment and blaming to connection, curiosity, and compassionPrinciple - everything we do we do to meet a need or valueFeelings as "radar" for needs, not something to fear or push awayApplying NVC at work - values and what matters>needs; focusing on individual self-connection leads to more curiosity, compassion, and connection with co-workersIt doesn't take two to change a conversation, only oneDealing with difficult feelings by connecting to met/unmet needs - (1) notice judgments/resistance/thinking, (2) tune into body sensations, (3) identify what you want/need and embody it, (4) think of a strategy to meet the needsFeelings and Needs listStudy by Brene Brown on average number of feelings of AmericansSelf-connect first to connect with others secondTwo types of practice for showing up better - formal and integrative/IRLCathan's website - Compassionate Thriving Types of Judgments - Value judgments, preferences, assessments vs. moralistic judgmentsHigh performance in life = showing up authentically and connecting with othersMindfulnessSomatic experiencing and breathworkCompassion vs. empathy