By Steve Greenfield
Perhaps the “old days” were never really that calm, but there’s no question that in today’s world we are surrounded by conflict, aggressiveness and disrespectful actions that can cause stress, drain energy, damage relationships or worse. Yet many people are challenged to deal with these disruptive circumstances on a daily basis.
That could soon change, though, when a workshop on Nonviolent Compassionate Communication returns to Duluth. “Creating Connection: Authentic Listening & Speaking” will be led by Ann W. Harrington, M.A., from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. today in the Great Lakes Ballroom of Holiday Center, 207 W. Superior St.
The workshop, which filled up so quickly last year that it’s been brought back by popular demand, is designed for people who want to: remain calm, confident and compassionate in conflict situations; learn conflict resolution skills for workplace, parenting, family dynamics and more; and break patterns of thinking that lead to rumination, burnout and depression.
“I’ve seen how this workshop really changes lives of many women and men,” said Patty Salo Downs, one of the event’s coordinators. “When we learn to remain calm in the midst of disagreements, controversy or when triggered, we can enjoy a more authentic and satisfying life. A life in which everyone is heard and gets their needs met. The goal is not to get what we want, but to make a human connection that will result in everyone getting their needs met. That’s what this workshop is all about.”
Presented by the Junior League of Duluth, First Witness Child Advocacy Center and Duluth Thrives, the four-hour workshop costs $25, which also covers meeting materials and a light supper. To maximize interactions and effectiveness, the workshop will be limited to 75 participants. Register at www.JuniorLeagueDuluth.org or at the door Wednesday afternoon. Scholarships are also available to help individuals underwrite the event, by applying at DuluthThrives@gmail.com. There will be free parking in the Holiday Center ramp for workshop participants.
“Nonviolent Compassionate Communication is an internationally-followed model created by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD, to learn how to have compassion and empathy in addressing habits that have been developed over a lifetime,” said Harrington, who has led many such workshops around the region. “For most people, learning to think, listen and speak in the language of nonviolent compassionate communication takes some extra awareness and practice. Our session on Oct. 9 will provide them the tools to do so.”
“Another rewarding aspect is that participants interact with one another and realize they’re not the only ones who struggle with conflict resolution or honestly speaking their minds without triggering defensiveness,” added Salo Downs. “This session truly is for everyone.”
Ann W. Harrington owns Ann Harrington Training & Consulting in Duluth and has been heavily involved in community organizations for decades. Her vision is to see individuals, marriages, families and whole communities transformed through the self-awareness, compassionate honesty, empathy, trust, mutual respect and quality of connection created by the practice of compassionate communication.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Speech/Language Pathology. Since arriving in Duluth in 1977, Harrington worked as a Speech/Language Pathologist at Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Services, Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative, UMD’s Speech and Language Clinic and as Director of Speech/Language Pathology services at Bridge Rehabilitation. She is also trained as a Life Coach and is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute and Co-Active Leadership Training Program of San Raphael, California. More information about her is at www.annwharrington.com.
