The primary focus of the LIFE program is to develop awareness of the consciousness of “the living energy of needs” or “the beauty of needs.” This is the foundational base for Living Compassion and is core to living and integrating NVC into life.
The deepening work of the LIFE program is designed to establish a clear pathway to first identifying, then experiencing and cultivating this consciousness. This work supports an embodied spirituality and a way to engage in a living practice in our everyday, moment-to-moment living. Processes and tools are offered that serve this integration and development.
Building and developing a strong and clear foundation is a basis for applying the NVC process in our lives. Without this inner foundation, it is easier to practice NVC as a mechanical or rote process, or to get stuck in jackal reactivity without the living quality of needs. The major aspect to developing a foundational consciousness is the ability to transform our life-alienating thinking and reactivity to the more life serving consciousness of authenticity and presence.
The LIFE program is intended for people who have intermediate to advanced skills in NVC. Participants are expected to already have the ability to apply basic skills of expressing honestly, self-empathy and empathizing with others. There is some priority given in the application process to people who are already teaching or sharing NVC.
The LIFE program is a two-year commitment. Each year, there are two, seven day retreats held at the Alton Collins Retreat Center near Portland, Oregon – one in the spring and one in the fall. In between the retreats, there are teleconferences and individual phone calls with Robert and his assistants. There is also on-going, peer-facilitated telephone sessions to support the work in the months between retreats.
The approximate cost of the program is $3200 - $3500 USD per year which includes full tuition and all room and board for two, seven day retreats.
There is a process of application to the program. Each year, 24 people are accepted into the program. Each class size is limited to ensure a quality of learning that goes with smaller groups. Applications are generally accepted between April and September of the year prior to the start of each class. To receive announcement of the program or to request an application, send your request via email to: phyllis@living-compassion.org.
LIFE Program retreats in the US are held at the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center.
Click on this link for the LIFE Program Curriculum.