Communication
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) enhances my relationships with Valerie, my siblings, my friends, my children and my students. NVC also supported my communication with workmates, customers and suppliers in my last years of working as a project engineer (mechanical). I’m delighted to be finding NVC helpful in changing the way I talk to myself, allowing me to be kinder and more self-accepting.
We offer courses for the public and for community groups, coaching for individuals, and NVC focussed mediations for couples and families by appointment.
As well as teaching NVC, I learn from other trainers. I was able to learn directly from Marshall Rosenberg (originator of the model) in 2010, and amongst several other international trainers, I am inspired by Miki Kashtan and Sarah Peyton.
Besides the courses which Valerie and I offer to the public, I am available to do “in house” trainings for businesses or community groups, or “at home” courses specifically for your group of interested friends and family.
Here’s what workshop participants say about my teaching:
“His personal openness, humour, warmth, and unassuming way of instructing helped us all feel we are all learning this subtle teaching together.”
“Jim helped me feel ok with displaying vulnerability in my process of NVC. He also was very good at listening and holding space.”
“I witnessed and felt an experience of genuine empathy due to Jim’s openness and vulnerability. This is rare.”
Voice/Singing
I have been active in performance singing since University. A mechanical engineer by profession, I worked part time initially to allow me to be more hands-on as a father of preschoolers, and again later in order to participate in a daytime choir and to teach singing.
I have enjoyed singing all my life, particularly in small groups and I’m involved in 3 vocal groups at present – Honeycomb (a mixed vocal sextet), Singing for Our Lives (activist singers) and Reflections Threshold Singers (for end of life).
I studied solo repertoire with teachers Betty Page from Christchurch, Helen Caskie from Palmerston North, Emily Mair from Wellington, Annelies Pekelharing from Christchurch and Rosemary Turnbull from Christchurch. My studies of Voicecraft with Alison Bagnall provided exciting knowledge and awareness of how the human voice works and inspired me to teach singing. I particularly enjoy teaching choral singers, beginner men, and students learning music from the rock genre.
Body
I discovered international folk dancing 20 years ago and have been enthusiastically learning dances ever since. I love that folk dancing exercises both my body and my mind, and I value the friendship of the other group members. I also enjoy being exposed to musical styles I’d otherwise never have experienced. I greatly enjoy sharing folk dances with others. Contact me if you’d like me to teach or lead dancing for you.