Home > Articles posted byGesine Schrader

Author: Gesine Schrader

Why NVC ​works

  ​​​​Recently I saw a post on social media giving '5 reasons your relationship might not be saved with NVC'. I also remember that a participant told me that she was listening for two hours to her sister. Afterwards she felt exhausted and disconnected. Her efforts didn't seem to bear fruit. Does this mean Nonviolent Communication (NVC) doesn't work? I understand the questio...
Read More

Spaciousness: guided by the elements

Dhanakosa on the shores of Loch Voil I’m just back from a seven-day retreat with 20 women in the Scottish Highlands. I still feel the connection in my body. There's connection to myself, connection with the people around me and connection to wilderness. It feels warm and peaceful in my heart, relaxed and content in my stomach and spacious in my chest. There is also a sense of gratitude to Shan...
Read More

A friend for a reason, a friend for a season, a friend for a lifetime

I have a close friend in Bristol who practises meditation and Buddhism. A year ago, she told me that she had been invited on a 3-month ordination in 2022. She told me that after her return, she planned to move to a women's retreat centre to support the community. Wow, what a life-changing decision! In the first moment there was joy in my heart – I was happy for her to fulfill her dreams and find ...
Read More

Memories, Dreams and Reflections

I dreamed that I was leaning forward on a powerful motorbike, making my way down an empty road on a clear night until I came to a little guard house and red/white border barrier. I stopped for a moment as the barrier lifted, crossed over and continued my journey. The weather changed. Fog came up. I didn't know where I was going and what to expect. I felt curious, guarded and a little bit anxious o...
Read More

Where does a meaningful life come from?

Shantigarbha and I are just back from one week at COP26 in Glasgow. The day after, I joined my friend Cath to meditate in a nearby park. Cath is going there every day during COP26 to meditate for the earth and all beings who are impacted by the climate and ecological emergencies. When I arrived, the first question she asked was “How was it in Glasgow?” My response was “It was meaningful. I...
Read More

Completing the stress cycle

With the recent high temperatures I had the chance to go for a swim in a Bristol lake. While I was there I had a chat with a guy who told me that his job is stressful and that he goes for a swim after work every day throughout the year. I was impressed. At the same time I understood what he was talking about. I also enjoyed the freshness of the cold water and felt satisfied and relaxed after the v...
Read More
Top