Ongo Workshops

Are you interested in learning more about Nonviolent Communication (otherwise known as Compassionate Communication)?

This June, Wendy is offering three in-person sessions inspired by Chapters 1–3 of The Ongo Book 2.0: Everyday Nonviolence.

by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens. These gatherings are a chance to:

Reconnect and re-energize for those already familiar with Ongo
Offer newcomers a taste of the community and key practices (which focus on Nonviolent Communication and mindful awareness)
Possibly spark a group to continue into the full 12-week journey (optional).

Whether you’re returning or just beginning, this is a space to land, reflect, and grow together.

What You Can Expect

These sessions will support us in developing a lightness of being and grounded presence through practices that help us:

Deepen connection, even when life feels busy or overwhelming
Speak and listen with compassion—to ourselves and others
Align with our values in everyday life
Navigate challenge with presence and curiosity
Cultivate meaningful relationships and inner clarity.

You’ll also have the chance to meet in pairs (buddy groups) between sessions for gentle guided practices, and explore solo reflections at your own pace during the week.

You’ll Need The Ongo Book

Participants will need a copy of The Ongo Book 2.0: Everyday Nonviolence (Catherine Cadden & Jesse Wiens). We might be able to supply copies to purchase (please check with us in advance), otherwise you can email kate@kateraffin.com to purchase a physical copy, or purchase a digital version here:

https://books2read.com/ongobook

Program Dates

Session 1: Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Session 2: Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Session 3: Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Time: 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM (includes 15 minutes of settling in time and starting at 2pm)
Location: Bellingen (venue to be confirmed)

In addition to our group meetings, you’ll be paired with one or two others for weekly buddy practices (can be timed to suit your schedules), and you’ll have the option to do simple solo practices throughout the week.

What We Ask of You

To create a strong, supportive container, we ask that you commit to attending all three sessions and all buddy practices. This helps foster safety, trust, and continuity. We also ask you to arrive by 1.45 PM to enable settling in time.

Following the course, you will have the option to participate in 9 extra weeks of Ongo (as there are 12 chapters in total). This will go ahead if we have enough participants to run it (free of charge, except for a small contribution for room hire).

Contribution

This 3-week offering is based on a sliding scale. 50% of any profits go to support Baba Tree International, an organisation founded by the authors of The Ongo Book. A suggested contribution is A$45–$90 for the three weeks, but you are welcome regardless of your financial situation. Choose an amount that reflects your means and what brings you joy.

Ready to Join?

This in-person program needs a minimum number of participants to go ahead. If it speaks to you, or someone you know, we’d love for you to come—and feel free to bring a friend.

If you have any questions, reach out anytime.

With warmth and gratitude,
Wendy Haynes, with support by Jess Miller
Enquiries? Please contact Jess at: jess@weaveprojects.com.au, 0499 422 838
About Wendy: www.wendyhaynes.com