Non-violent communication and social media

Those who follow my work know that I come from a point of love rather than fear. This was not always the case as, like all of us, I evolved with time and experience. Many of my "followers" are heart-based, working in service capacities to support individuals and thus the world. But I've been noticing a strong trend since the political events of the past year, culminating in the election of a new President.

Many people who are heart-based and purport to come from a spiritual viewpoint have become so passionate about their opinions that they have begun to denigrate others for theirs. I have noticed an unfortunate trend in social media of confrontation, heated debate and ego. None of these things comes from love, but of fear. When you come from love, is there a need to be right? Is there a need to tell others why they are wrong? Of course not. No more in politics than in religion!

Non-violent communication is a concept developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD, which teaches that...

If “violent” means acting in ways that result in hurt or harm, then much of how we communicate--judging others, bullying, having racial [or political or religious] bias, blaming, finger pointing, discriminating, speaking without listening, criticizing others or ourselves, name-calling, reacting when angry, using political rhetoric, being defensive or judging who’s “good/bad” or what’s “right/wrong” with people--could indeed be called “violent communication.”

Therefore when you use social media as a podium from which to "instruct" those who have different viewpoints or opinions based on their own experience and what is TRUE for them, you are being violent. When you listen, however, and say "I understand how you feel. I respect that you feel that way. I have a different opinion" then is there really a need to debate? Is there really a need to instruct the other on what you perceive as facts? Acceptance comes from love, not fear. Acceptance of differences of any sort, with no need to judge, correct or instruct. Simply love.