It is possible to have differing views and communicate with compassion and curiosity. We're  in the heat of polarized discussions in our country, and also in our local community and personal lives. Among the challenging topics being discussed among friends, family and neighbors are a pending presidential election, international war and violence, women's rights, human rights and the LGBTQIA+ community, affordable housing, and even things like a contentious will after a family death. 

Whether crossing a stranger in the grocery store, a family member at the dinner table, or a hot debate on social media, we have a choice of how to engage. When passion and strong feelings are on the line, or belief systems feel threatened while we are talking to "the other side," we are at risk of losing our way with people we care about, with ourselves, and with people we don't even know. This doesn't typically feel good, and it doesn't allow us to come to a place of peace and understanding.

This presentation will offer tools on how to navigate challenging conversations more effectively by using mindful communication, compassionate listening/exchange and body awareness practices.

Using these tools, learn to listen deeply and better understand others' worries, political perspectives and personal suffering. Learn to feel with them, remember their humanness, and be able to better understand their unique experiences while helping to create healthier relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and our community as a whole.

About the speakers

Angela Melzer has owned Emerald Integrative Health (Previously Minds in Motion) for 10 years. She has a master’s degree in social work, and a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. Post graduate work, Angela has studied mindfulness, contemplative psychology and neuroscience. Angela has a certification in Somatic Experiencing, an approach to treating trauma by working with the nervous system. Angela uses her knowledge from the medical and psychological components of her education to address healing.

Cristen Malia earned a master’s degree from Naropa University in Transpersonal Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in mindfulness. Cristen works in private practice at Emerald Integrative Health in Steamboat Springs, offering mindfulness based psychotherapy, EMDR, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, yoga and somatic tools, to support clients navigating anxiety, depression, transition, recovery from trauma, addiction, as well as enhancing communication in relationships, stress management, and coaching in applying meditative techniques.

Photo by Nathan Fertig on Unsplash