The 3 Most Important Books for Authentic Relating
Very few things emerge completely out of nothing.
There's a process of mapping the territory, experimenting, documenting and cataloging, and always always continuing to learn.
The practice of Authentic Relating was born from a cocktail of personal experience, studies, social experimentation, and of course: some amazing books.
So if you want to dig in to the more theoretical and intellectual side of Authentic Relating, here are a few books we think are just plain foundational!
Getting Real: 10 Truth Skills You Need to Live an Authentic Life. Susan Campbell
According to Authentic Relating teacher Jason Digges, "This was the original book that we all used as source material before AR had anything written down. Susan Campbell is a gem of a teacher." If you're familiar with Authentic Relating in any capacity, a lot of Campbell's core concepts might feel familiar. The ten truth skills include Letting Yourself Be Seen, Taking Back Projections, Saying No, Welcoming Feedback, Expressing Taboo Thoughts and Emotions, Revising an Earlier Statement, Holding Differences, Sharing Mixed Emotions, and Embracing the Silence of Not Knowing.
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships. Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD.
Rosenberg's book wasn't the first on conscious communication, but it has certainly become a cornerstone of the movement. The book breaks down some key components to how we can communicate to accomplish three things:
• Increase our ability to live with choice, meaning, and connection
• Connect empathically with self and others to have more satisfying relationships
• Sharing of resources so everyone is able to benefit
Conflict = Energy. Jason Digges
Although this book is new on the scene, it's the book we wish we'd all had when starting out on this Authentic Relating adventure. Jason is fully steeped in the theory and practice of Authentic Relating, and his book offers anecdotes as well as games and tools for everyday use.
Have some books on your shelf that you think are just the bees' knees? Let us know!