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Eddie Zacapa

CNVC Certified Trainer from Sacramento, California, USA

Eddie Zacapa is the co-founder of Life Enriching Communication (www.lecworks.org) and a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC). He has facilitated nonviolent communication workshops, trainings and programs with individuals, families, parents, schools, and organizations and worked in the domestic violence field for over 19 years.

Eddie is the author of Principles and Practices of Nonviolence: 30 Meditations for Practicing Compassion and Essentials for Cultivating Passionate Volunteers and Leaders: Guidelines for Organizations that Value Connection.

He also offers coaching to executives and managers and helps volunteers and employees discover their full potential on the job. He has worked with volunteersfor over 20 years with various non-profit organizations providing volunteer management.

He lives in Sacramento, CA with his family. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from San Jose State University and aBachelor of Science degree in Bible and Theology from William Jessup University.

Library resources with Eddie Zacapa

Mourning Unmet Needs (The Art of Letting Go)

Anger and resentment can signal unmet needs. Through mourning those needs and practicing self-empathy, we may let go of blame, embrace reality, and reclaim responsibility for fulfilling our own needs. This process may lead to emotional transformation through conscious reflection, and a new outlook.

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How To Deal With Difficult People

When people have a hard time communicating in a loving way (e.g. criticize, blame, shut down,  act out, etc.) it can be very challenging. Using empathy-based communication we can connect to the underlying feelings and needs behind their behavior. By recognizing when to do what (empathizing, stepping back, etc), we can respond with compassion and clarity rather than reactivity.
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Saying "No" in a Positive Way

Hearing "no" can bring emotional pain, but it can be delivered in a way that minimizes discomfort. We can find the gift in the request, express feelings and needs instead of saying "no," and offer an alternative solution that supports all parties. This approach fosters honesty, respect, and understanding, while setting boundaries if necessary to protect oneself. Clear communication reduces the likelihood of conflict.

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Going Beyond Fear

Fear can show up as a thought or feeling. When we think and dwell on fear and get stuck, fear becomes our worst enemy. For a healthier approach, discover what brings up the emotion of fear by looking for the unmet need behind it. Next, identify the stimulus for the fear. Then satisfy the need(s) with suitable strategies. You can also reassure yourself based on the truth, evidence, and facts. Or ask a friend for support. 
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Parenting for Connection

By guessing our child's feelings and needs we open the door to understanding what's behind their behavior, and can better suggest solutions that meet both their and our own needs. In this way we build trust and their desire to seek us out in times of need. Expressing our own feelings and needs also allows us to help them understand the value in fulfilling tasks or requests.

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