"If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work."

                                  -Thich Nhat Hanh

Vital force. What is vital force?

As individuals, we can think of our vital force as our life force-- the  spirit or will that inspires us to live, and to live well. The vital force within us can be thought of as the constellation of individual qualities that make each of us unique. To some, our vital force may involve the inspiration of a Higher Power. To others, it may be the expression of our free will.

Whatever you consider to be the vital force in your life, it is my experience that when people connect to that vital force within themselves, it deepens their experience of their lives. We suffer when we lack opportunities to be authentic with ourselves and explore our uniqueness. We thrive when we allow our true essence to shine.

Likewise, sharing that which is alive within us-- our  vital force-- with other people in the world serves to bring us joy and to enrich the world with our presence. Humans are social creatures and, as such, we have a basic drive to connect with other humans. Effective interpersonal communication can be the vital force that allows us to share with others the vital life force that is alive within us. Deep connection within ourselves and with others can add immensely to our sense of joy in our lives.

For many of us, there is no more important opportunity to connect with another person than that which comes in our relationship with our children. As such, many of the workshops I lead are designed to help parents and children communicate more effectively. Constructive communication makes family life more harmonious, allowing parents and children greater joy and connection with each other and within themselves.

I have spent the greater part of my life working, in one way or another, to develop my own personal communication skills, weeding out the internal "stuff" that can interfere with my relationships with others, and freeing up my ability to reach out to others from my heart. It is my privilege now to share my learning and the resources I have found with other people who seek to improve their own communication at home and everywhere they go. It is my hope that I will get the opportunity to share my passion for communication with you and that, through our work together, you will be better able to connect with the joy embodied in your own vital force!