Mandy Wong, Mindfulness/Self-Compassion/NVC practitioner and Life Design Coach

“ Starting 2024, I have had the wonderful opportunity to study Nonviolent Communication with Aya through her “The Art of Relationship” and “Reclaiming Our Wholeness: NVC for Self-Liberation” workshops. The learning has been truly rewarding, and I am grateful to share this experience with others who might benefit. Aya’s approach focuses on three core strengths: 1. Real-Life Teaching – Rather than staying in theoretical territory, Aya draws from her own experiences to illustrate concepts. These genuine examples help participants understand that these communication approaches can work in everyday life—they are practical tools for real situations, though they require patience and practice to master. 2. Hands-On Practice – The workshops create a safe space where we can explore our actual challenges together. Through 1:1 personalized demonstrations, Aya helps us see familiar conflicts from new perspectives, often leading to those moments of “There is another way to approach this!”. 3. Nurturing Hope – Even in challenging scenarios, we witness how Aya still finds ways to open dialogue where none seemed possible. She helps participants rebuild confidence in their ability to reconnect—both with themselves and others. She shows us that healing and connection are achievable, though they unfold step by step over time. Most Remarkable Takeaway – I learned to own the impact of my choices while understanding that other people’s emotions are theirs to navigate. This has been significant coming from a family where “I am upset because you didn’t do what I asked for” was the norm. It has required learning and some mindful adjustments, to become caring to myself first—noticing what drives my feelings and recognizing how my upbringing shaped my current patterns. I have discovered that while I can influence some aspects of my emotional life, others take time to shift. Instead of fighting or suppressing uncomfortable feelings, I am learning to make room for them to listen to the needs behind. Aya’s wisdom is straightforward yet deeply meaningful, though it takes dedication to truly integrate. The bilingual support from Ruby’s thoughtful translation and Chi’s insightful questions and sharing creates a rich learning environment where we can explore Aya’s teachings from multiple angles. While this work asks for patience and commitment, the insights and growth which gradually unfold make it worthwhile.This is not a quick fix for relationship challenges, but rather a sustained practice that can bring real transformation over time. For those willing to invest in this journey, it offers new mindsets and tools that can shift how we connect with ourselves and others. ”