In a compelling presentation, Sri Ram Timilsina, a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practitioner hailing from Nepal, imparted a decade’s worth of wisdom and observations centered around fostering peace and justice through NVC. Living the principles he fervently advocates for, Timilsina has been instrumental in introducing and cultivating NVC practices within the Nepalese schools and communities.
Timilsina’s journey is rooted deeply in the principles echoed by luminaries such as Rumi and Marshall B. Rosenberg. Drawing inspiration from Rumi’s words, “Out of wrong doing and right doing there is a field, and I will meet you there”, Timilsina elucidated how abandoning the dichotomy of right and wrong can pave the way for genuine connection and understanding. Furthermore, reflecting on Rosenberg’s belief that “All human actions are performed to fulfill certain needs”, Timilsina introduced the audience to the core ethos behind NVC.
The crux of Timilsina’s presentation was his personal experiences of ‘Coloring Nepal with Nonviolent Communication’. He recounted his adventures over the past ten years, where he was actively engaged in weaving a culture of peace, replete with justice, in the schools and communities across Nepal. The audience was treated to a comprehensive overview of the restorative practices that have taken root and flourished under his guidance.
Key practices highlighted by Timilsina encompassed concepts such as ‘seeing human and being human’, which emphasizes recognizing and valuing the innate humanity within each individual. This perspective, he argued, lays the foundation for genuine connection and empathy. Additionally, he shed light on the significance of distinguishing between needs and wants or strategies, noting that understanding this distinction can lead to more constructive communication and conflict resolution.
A focal point of his discourse was the transformational power of empathy. Timilsina discussed how this seemingly simple act of understanding and sharing the feelings of another can bridge divides and foster mutual respect. Coupled with active participation, mediation, and dialogue, empathy, he proposed, can be the cornerstone of a harmonious society.
Illustrating the tangible outcomes of these practices, Timilsina showcased the establishment of new support mechanisms within Nepal, notably the Restorative Circles. These circles have facilitated Restorative Dialogues, allowing communities to transition from retributive to restorative justice. The application of the IAA (Information, Analysis, and Action) Model, as Timilsina elucidated, has been instrumental in this transformation, fostering connection, collaboration, peace, happiness, and justice in the process.
In wrapping up his presentation, Sri Ram Timilsina provided the attendees with a holistic understanding of the profound impact Nonviolent Communication can have on society. His decade-long endeavor in Nepal stands as a testament to the boundless potential of NVC in sculpting a world underpinned by understanding, peace, and justice. The message was clear: when communities embrace NVC’s principles, they not only enrich their present but also chart a course for a more harmonious and just future.
