Why?

Why The Peace Dialogue?

I chose The Peace Dialogue, yet I thought about the meaning of peace. Ultimately experiencing peace, ease, space is a relational human value.  When choosing “The Peace Dialogue” as the name for my platform, I wanted it to reflect more than just a fixing-oriented approach to communication. The core of this platform is about hearing—listening with presence and intention. It’s not about fixing or solving; it’s about creating a space where peace arises naturally from truly hearing each other. Thus, it was a close call to heran. 

The Etymology of “Peace”

The word “peace” comes from the Latin pax, meaning “to fix”. While this definition suggests a resolution of conflict or the mending of something broken, I’ve come to interpret peace as something that can be nurtured not through fixing but through understanding. Peace, for me, is more about creating an environment where people feel heard and accepted. It’s through this act of hearing that I believe creates trust and the availability to open up or allow the situation to go wherever it may need to go. 

The Etymology of Hearing

The word “hearing” is derived from the Old English hēran, which means “to perceive by the ear.” But hearing, in the deeper sense, is not just about the act of receiving sound. It’s about understanding and asking for clarification if not understood. This aligns with how I envision the core of my platform—not as a place where we try to fix or solve problems immediately, but where we truly hear and understand one another. Listening isn’t just passive; it’s an active process of receiving and being present.

Why Listening, Not Fixing?

Thus, the struggle with the name. I wanted The Peace Dialogue to be centered on learning to  hear rather than fixing because I believe that the most profound transformations occur when people feel truly heard. Fixing often implies a rush to a solution, while hearing invites us to be present with what is happening in the moment. When we hear each other deeply I believe the body feels happy about it.

NVC has helped me make this shift. As a Soldier, I am known for blunt, direct communication—getting to the point quickly and efficiently. We call this the BLUF, Bottom Line Up Front.

Communication requires listening, understanding, and allowing space for others to be seen and heard without judgment. My Hispanic heritage, too, has shaped my communication style, but I’m learning how dialogue can be enriched by balancing directness with deep listening.

Curiosity as a Gateway to Learning

Curiosity has always driven me to go deeper, to explore more, and to learn more. In this same way, my platform encourages playing with the concept  that Marshall Rosenberg brought forth. I admire that he used this type of language to create peace in other nations and had therapy sessions with parents and kids, all in the room, using feelings and values as the psychological bridge. I learned NVC via the NYCNVC and Clara Moisello was my instructor, she is amazing. I really admire their authenticity and am grateful for all her teachings. 

 By listening, we open ourselves to greater understanding. Curiosity is what transforms hearing into learning, and that’s the heart of The Peace Dialogue—to explore conversations that lead to more ease through the power of truly hearing one another.

I chose this name because it reflects what I hope to continue to cultivate in myself, my mind, my body and with others if others choose to play with this practice or not. This practice is universal and it can be practiced anywhere, anytime even with those that have not heard of it. NVC has taught me that there is gold in listening, reflecting and guessing!

This platform is an invitation to engage in a deeper kind of conversation—one that values presence, and hearing.

Vero🌸