Some of the most pronounced points of personal suffering in life often arise in our relationships with others.
In our fast-paced and increasingly divided world, communication often becomes reactive, rushed, or superficial, leaving us disconnected from ourselves and others. By practicing mindfulness in our interpersonal communication, we can foster deeper understanding, reduce conflict, and build stronger, more authentic relationships in both our personal and professional lives.
Relational mindfulness takes our practice off the meditation cushion and into the interpersonal realm, asking the question, What arises when we meet moments of interpersonal communication with curiosity, kindness, and openness?
Mindfulness can support:
- Slowing down the pace of conversation so each person can fully share their experience.
- Recognition of feelings, needs, personal narratives, and biases that influence beliefs and perceptions.
- Greater self-regulation in emotionally charged moments.
- Awareness of patterns of interpersonal communication that undermine understanding.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a contemplative communication practice that directs attention to elements of our shared life experience, can enhance compassionate giving and receiving in moments of mindful communication.
Through the practice of NVC, we can learn to clarify what we are observing, what emotions we are feeling, what values we want to live by, and what we want to ask of ourselves and others. We will no longer need to use the language of blame, judgment, or domination. We can experience the deep pleasure of contributing to each others’ well-being. — James Prieto
Training our attention to notice our habits, developing our capacity to listen deeply, and communicating authentically can free us to cultivate a style of relating that acknowledges our experience while allowing space for others to express themselves.
Free Introduction to Relational Mindfulness
Thursday, January 23rd
6:30 to 8 p.m.
at Centered Spirit
In this free introduction, we’ll provide an overview of our upcoming 10-week Relational Mindfulness class that blends the principles of mindfulness—presence, non-judgment, and self-awareness—with the power of Nonviolent Communication.
Register to attend the Free Introduction, here…
10-Week Relational Mindfulness
Thursdays, February 13th thru April 17th
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Centered Spirit
Relational Mindfulness is a 10-week experiential course designed to help participants cultivate deeper self-awareness, foster authentic connections, and enhance communication skills through the integration of mindfulness practices and the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
In this course, you will explore how mindfulness—present-moment awareness with curiosity and compassion—supports conscious and empathetic engagement in relationships. Drawing on foundational NVC concepts such as observation, feelings, needs, and requests, you’ll learn tools to navigate interpersonal challenges with greater clarity and kindness.
Each week, the course offers a balance of guided mindfulness practices, practical exercises, and interactive discussions that foster personal growth and relational harmony. Whether you’re looking to improve relationships with family, friends, colleagues, or yourself, Relational Mindfulness provides a supportive and transformative space to develop key skills, including:
- Cultivating self-awareness and emotional resilience.
- Listening with empathy and curiosity.
- Expressing yourself honestly without blame or judgment.
- Transforming conflict into opportunities for connection.
This course is suitable for individuals new to mindfulness or NVC as well as those looking to deepen their practice. Come with a willingness to explore, connect, and grow both inwardly and outwardly.
Cost: Suggested $550 | Supporter $675 | Reduced $300
The Facilitators
James Prieto
James is an author, poet, CNVC Certified Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Trainer, and nature-based Wild Heart guide.
James guides toward connection through NVC workshops and “Wild Heart” nature-based depth-psychology personal development — inspired by Wild Mind – Field Guide to the Human Psyche by Bill Plotkin, Ph.D. You can find out about his offerings at www.CompassionateConnecting.com
He’s passionate about the intersection of Animas Valley inspired work with NVC as a way to contribute to Earth elder Joanna Macy’s “Great Turning” and Thomas Berry’s “Great Work”.
Amy Zoe Schonhoff
Amy (she/her), is the founder of Mindfulness in the Heartland, a certified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction through the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, and a certified practitioner of Advanced Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness.
Amy’s mindfulness practice spans over thirty years of personal exploration. Based on her own journey, she has found the practices and principles of mindfulness to be the most instructive and transformative approach to embracing this experience of “being human.” As a result, she is particularly inspired to teach the skills of mindfulness to individuals and communities actively working to integrate and heal from personal and intergenerational trauma.