family harmony

Family is Everything - 6 Tips for Listening Deeply  A Family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, but when you are inside, you see that each tree has its place.  - Yoruba People  Today, right now, all families face challenges that can and do put terrific strains on establishing and maintaining harmony and peace. These circumstances press into, and lean on, and sometimes snap that family tie.  Challenges range from food insecurity, arguments, disrespect, sibling rivalry, inappropriate associates, joblessness, homelessness, and even violence.  One of the biggest reasons for conflict in families is miscommunication. Peace Learning Center's Connect and Communicate family program works with families to improve what is good in their communication.  A multitude of topics are covered such as: Understanding the 12 Blocks to Listening; Effective Listening; Listening with Empathy, Openness and Awareness; Conflict Resolution; and Peaceful Living. We all want to be heard, so here are six tips on letting someone know you are hearing them: Maintain good eye contact. Lean slightly forward. Reinforce the speaker by nodding or paraphrasing. Clarify by asking questions. Actively move away from distractions. Be committed, even if you're angry or upset, to understanding what is being said. Last Saturday, at one of our Family Workshops in Eagle Creek Park, participants (ranging in age from 7 to 72) were asked, "When you hear the word family, what word comes to your mind?"   Here are some of their responses: brothers-sisters, support, love, caring, family dinners, survival, strength,