Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is more than a model of communication; it's a consciousness and way of being in the world. The heart of it is empathic connection. Coming from a centered and mindful place, wanting to connect with what we ourselves, or someone we care about is feeling and needing, and contributing to those needs if it resonates within us. The conceptual model, though a powerful set of tools does not go into the depth of the consciousness that NVC can inspire.

NVC founder, Marshall B. Rosenberg uses the metaphor of the giraffe and jackal to describe life serving and life alienating words, actions and intention. Giraffes have the largest heart of any land mammal in order to pump blood up their long necks to their brain. With a heart this large, the idea is that "giraffes" hear with the heart, without judgement, only observation with a loving, empathic presence. The long neck represents vision, to see clearly to the heart of the matter. Jackals are representative of a more frenetic energy, fast, nipping, snarling, and yapping - a more chaotic way of relating. This is related to NVC, not because we are animals with instinctual needs that belay common sense, free will and choice. Everything we do is a choice; our choices in behavior are simply strategies for getting our needs met. Even violent strategies (though damaging) are a reflection of unmet needs.