Noell Grace, Nevada City, CA

“ I had heard about Non-Violent Communication for many years, but was never drawn to investigate it. Although I knew very little about NVC, I had dismissed it as a formulaic system that would cramp authentic spontaneity. I now realize I’d formed that assumption because I wasn’t ready for the radical shift in perception that NVC represents. I was still living on the defensive, with an habitual need to be right and to judge those whom I perceived were in the wrong. 

I say this with compassion for myself because I was born into a cultural mindset that justified and perpetuated criticism, judgement, labeling, conflict and misunderstanding as the acceptable norm of human interaction. I needed to experience a prolonged and painful miscommunication with someone in my spiritual community to finally be convinced that I needed to find a better way.. 

My willingness to make a change opened the door and in walked Aya. I received an announcement of her introductory NVC workshop in my area and knew it was an answer to a prayer.  

During that first workshop, Aya opened my eyes and heart to the practical steps I could take to become a much more effective, compassionate communicator. I learned about observing rather than interpreting, attuning to my feelings and the innocent needs and values reflected by those feelings. I realized why I’d felt so unheard by the community member…and began to experience genuine empathy and understanding for their behavior towards me.

As Aya showed us a tried and true path that could lead to open hearted resolution, I was impressed by her compassionate warmth and grounded wisdom. She seemed to truly embody what she taught…which I found very inspiring. I left the workshop wanting to dive even deeper. Thankfully Aya agreed to offer a four hour experiential lab the following month. 

The lab was a life changing experience for me. As Aya masterfully guided each person through their particular communication challenge, the room was filled with so much love that many of us were moved to tears. It was like sun breaking through a dense cloud layer as she gently shone the light on the unacknowledged feelings and unmet needs at the root of our conflicts.

I felt the presence of Love itself working through Aya and each of us gathered…demonstrating that Love is the true  healer and transformer. Through love all things are possible, including the end of war…one compassionately communicating person at a time. 

I whole heartedly recommend Aya Caspi’s offerings to anyone wanting to connect more compassionately with themselves and with others. As one participant said at the end of the lab. She has a gift. ”