---
title: "Leading From Your Essence - Center for Nonviolent Communication"
description: "Ruud Baanders' 'Leading From Your Essence' blends NVC, IFS, and Zen Buddhism, emphasizing their synergy for self-awareness and compassionate communication. He shares how NVC enriches Buddhist practices, fostering deeper connections and healing."
url: "https://www.cnvc.org/video-library/leading-from-your-essence"
date: "2026-09-19T18:09:33+00:00"
language: "en-US"
---

#  Leading From Your Essence

**Ruud Baanders** - Length: 1h:16m - English

**Topic Areas:** Mind-Body-Spirit, Social Change

 In "Leading From Your Essence," Ruud Baanders shares insights into integrating Nonviolent Communication with internal family systems and Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the practicality and spiritual dimensions of these approaches. Highlighting his journey from the Netherlands to the UK and across Asia, Baanders explores how NVC filled a gap in his Buddhist practice, providing tools for compassionate living beyond retreats. He discusses the importance of connecting with one's essence and the transformative power of acknowledging and empathizing with various internal parts. Baanders' session underscores the synergy between NVC and IFS in fostering self-awareness, healing, and effective communication.