The Art of Compassionate Communication - with Cindy Zody - Friday - September 25th, 2026- 6:15-7:45 PM PT - In-Store
In this evening event, Cindy will introduce Marshall Rosenberg's principles of Nonviolent Communication. It's commonly referred to as "A Language of Life." The basics will help us learn how to connect with ourselves and others by accessing our deeper feelings and needs. This will include experiential practices that allow for processing current issues and help find a new way of relating that fosters connection instead of blame and criticism that lead to disconnection and isolation. We know that when people learn to communicate effectively with each other, their lives and relationships can be truly transformed. Takeaways: Transform judgement and criticism into understanding and connection Interrupt patterns of thinking that lead to arguments, anger, and depression Resolve conflicts peacefully, whether personal or public Reduce stress in the workplace and improve productivity Develop relationships based upon mutual respect, compassion, and cooperation. About: Cindy Zody is an educator with 40 years of experience and has a passion for helping people improve the quality of their lives by learning how to understand and articulate their feelings and needs. Ms Zody has had extensive training in NVC (Nonviolent Communication) and IFS (Internal Family Systems). She holds a BA in Music Education and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her work spans years in elementary schools, Cascadia, Bellevue College, and the University of Washington. Outside the education field, she has impacted those incarcerated at Monroe Correctional Center and in the Business sector at Microsoft in the Mergers and Acquisitions dept, improving their performance by as much as 39 %. More recently, her work has been with Arms Around You, helping formerly incarcerated people improve their communication skills and empowering them as they transition back into society. She has taught NVC classes at the Edmonds Waterfront Center, and serves on the Board of Non profit organization Communities of Belonging. This work includes regular presentations on self-growth topics, including communication skills. Cindy is deeply committed to bringing this work into any spaces receptive to personal growth.