Today, the Centre for Nonviolent Action celebrates its 28th birthday! \ud83e\udd73<\/p>\n
We\u2019re practically the same age, and yet I\u2019ve learned so much from it over these past few months through the Training of Trainers in Peacebuilding.<\/p>\n
The rollercoaster of open space for discussion, reflection and self-reflection began back in April. Since then, I have come to view many things differently. With a lot more patience and understanding.<\/p>\n
I no longer run from the silence, I\u2019ve learned to embrace it before it embraces me.<\/p>\n
I no longer fear the opinions and fears of others, because I know they have every right to them.<\/p>\n
I no longer run from conflict, I see it as part and parcel of interpersonal relationships.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t run from criticism either, but I can tell when it\u2019s well-intentioned and I know how to use it myself.<\/p>\n
I am also prepared to take a deeper look at myself and my actions, own up to mistakes and find the strength to continue.<\/p>\n
The entire process is almost impossible to describe in words, but the feeling is that the methods used opened up a space that could make changes in ways of thinking and attitudes visible and tangible. Often without a word, with just a sign, a glance or a twinge of bodily discomfort that announces the process of self-reflection and change.<\/p>\n
For years I\u2019d been hearing about CNA\u2019s Training of Trainers and the benefits it had for many friends and acquaintances in the peacebuilding community. I often thought they were exaggerating and overstating the role of this training in their lives. However, after five months of being involved in the training myself, I feel everything they were talking about. And much more.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s still plenty of work to do, so I\u2019m both happy and sad that we\u2019ll only have one more ten-day meeting before the end of the year.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m sad, of course, because the Training of Trainers is ending, but I\u2019m happy that the process of change does not end with it.<\/p>\n
The acquired knowledge and skills still need to be honed and applied in practice.<\/p>\n
So, Happy Birthday to the Centre for Nonviolent Action! Thank you for being here! \ud83e\udd73<\/p>\n
(Posted on Slobodan Blagov\u010danin\u2019s Facebook page on 5 September 2025. Republished with the author\u2019s permission.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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