You and Me, Me and You: 
Exploring Self and Connection Through Buddhist Wisdom and Nonviolent Communication 
A Daylong Workshop with

Rachel Turiel and Alison Cohen

Sunday August 23, 2026 from 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. 

 

Join us to explore a compelling paradox at the intersection of Buddhist teaching and Nonviolent Communication (NVC): that paying close, curious attention to our inner emotional landscape, and learning to identify and trust our present-moment experience aligns in liberating ways with the Buddha's teaching on anatta, sometimes translated as non-self or not-self. Though we may be culturally conditioned to believe we have a fixed, static identity that needs protection and defense, "a close, delicate mindfulness," as teacher Rob Burbea offers, reveals otherwise. 

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Looking inward, we'll practice caring for what's here with skill and wisdom while recognizing its fleeting, ever-changing nature. Orienting outward, we'll practice hearing what is alive in someone else without shutting down or withdrawing, taking responsibility for our impact without collapsing into shame, and meeting challenging moments in conversations as opportunities for awakening. When we loosen our grip on who we think we are, there is simply more room: for ourselves, for each other, and for love. 

The day will weave together teachings from Buddhism and NVC, guided meditations, reflection, writing, and small group discussion, with time for questions and responses. No prior experience with meditation or Nonviolent Communication is needed. All are warmly welcome.

 

COST: The Dharma Center operates on the gift economy and the cost of the daylong is on a two-part sliding scale. The fee that you offer through the registration system ($50, $70, $89, or $108 or scholarship options of $25 or $0) supports our non-profit, which pays the costs of the building, utilities, website, administration, etc. In keeping with our 2,600-year-old tradition, the teachers of the class are not compensated but rather share the teachings freely. In turn, you are invited into the practice of dana, or generosity, a gift economy system that has been alive since the time of the Buddha. You are invited to make a donation to support the teachers in continuing their valuable work. Donations in any amount whatsoever are gratefully received, and the practice of generosity is always elective.

DATE: Sunday, August 23 from 10:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

LOCATION: Durango Dharma Center, 1800 East Third Avenue, Suite 109 in Durango

QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please reach out to Emily at registrar3@durangodharma.org or leave a message at 970-426-8983.