The Ongo Book 2.0: Everyday Nonviolence - Transformative daily practices for individuals, couples, and groups - by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens Chu

Peace. Wisdom. Compassion.
Become them.

A 12 week journey for individuals, couples, and groups to embody nonviolence in daily life, at home, at work, and everywhere.

“This book brims with useful advice. You will be encouraged to prioritize the values of meditative life, like compassion and clarity, in the midst of your ordinary situation.”

Sharon Salzberg

author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness

Mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication, and more –
for life, in all its messiness

"How can I be peaceful and compassionate in real life?" We have led trainings in mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication, and nonviolent direct action on six continents and worked with thousands of people. At the end of the day, everyone wants to know how to do it at home, at work, or in their community.

We know from our own experience that it's not easy. Life is messier outside of the workshop or retreat. Without some form of ongoing inspiration, guidance, and support for practicing peace, wisdom, and compassion, most of us default to ways of being that we don't enjoy.

We wrote The Ongo Book 2.0* to be your daily resource for being  peace and compassion in the real world, with inspiration from nonviolent leaders, past and present; detailed, step-by-step guidance for bringing mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication, and related practices, into daily life; and a complete structure that companions and groups can use to support one another, over the course of twelve weeks.

For those who have the first edition of The Ongo Book, this 2.0 edition goes even farther, with full instructions for groups meeting online, new and updated practices (including expanded trauma-informed guidance), directions for continuing beyond what's offered in the book, and much more.

Catherine & Jesse

* “Ongo” is shorthand for ongoing practice. "2.0" is the revised edition. (real life spiritual practice is ongoing and needs constant revision!)

Order Now & Receive Free Access to the Companion Website

  • Connect with other Ongo Book practitioners around the world
  • Find an Ongo Book group to join, or get resources to start your own
  • Download audio recordings of guided Ongo Book meditations
  • Watch video recordings of Ongo Book teachings
  • And much more!
Ongo Companion Website preview

“Never before have I experienced such a tangible, simple, yet transformative practice. In using these practices my heart has opened in a way I never imagined possible! If the entire world population could embark on this 12-week journey then we would inhabit a much kinder, wiser, and nonviolent place.”

Melissa Bernstein

co-founder of Melissa & Doug and Lifelines

Order Your Book: 

(for the eBook, click here)

(Supports local bookshops)

(Direct from local bookshops)

(Small % of each purchase supports our nonprofit)

(Direct from Kate Raffin)

(Free worldwide delivery)

(German 1st edition - arbor verlag)

(Traditional Chinese 1st edition - KCG)

(espagnol version coming in December 2022!)

Then, complete this form to get free access to the Companion Website: 

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This book is an invaluable resource to anyone seeking to bring more awareness, love, and connection into their lives. 

Oren Jay Sofer

author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication

We are in an age of precipitous change -- how we each live our one precious life will shape the future of humanity. I am so grateful that The Ongo Book is here to support us as a friend. 

Lucy Leu

former board president of the Center for Nonviolent Communication and co-founder of the Freedom Project

Using a wealth of wisdom and techniques from the many traditions they have explored, Catherine and Jesse have put together an impressively thorough and well-crafted program for spiritual development and well being. I am frankly amazed by their daring and skill. 

Norman Fischer

founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation and author of Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong

Learn to embody:

Meditation in Stillness, Words, & Action

Awareness of Body & Feelings

Freedom from Habitual Thinking

Empathic Listening

Self-Compassion

Compassionate Boundaries

Speaking Truth

Making Requests & Asking for Help

Forgiveness & Letting Go

Take a look inside!

Click on the images to preview the Table of Contents, and examples of the Solo, Buddy, and Group practices.

Whether you're on your own, with a companion, with an in-person or online group, The Ongo Book 2.0 provides complete guidance for learning and integrating practices like mindfulness, empathy, and gratitude into daily life.

About Us

Catherine Cadden & Jesse Wiens Chu wearing backpacks on the road

Catherine Cadden

is a mom, educator, storyteller, and dancer with over 30 years of experience in bringing innovative programs in nonviolence, mindfulness, and conflict transformation to people of all ages, on six continents. She is dedicated to the actionable ideal that world peace is achievable in her lifetime. In 1997, she founded the TEMBA School, a visionary K–8 academic program which integrated nonviolent principles, mindfulness, art, and peace studies. In 2006, Catherine cofounded Play in the Wild! Initiations into Nonviolence for youth, families, and educators. Internationally recognized for her work, Catherine was a keynote speaker at the UNESCO Asia Pacific Education conference in 2012 and a presenter at TEDxTriangleNC in 2010 on Direct Action in L.O.V.E. Her work with her indigenous roots, elders, and teachers taught her to live interdependently with nature, which she shares with all who are willing to learn. She is a Center for Nonviolent Communication Certified Trainer and the author of Peaceable Revolution Through Education.

Jesse Wiens Chu

is fascinated by life in all its unique expressions and finds joy in supporting people to thrive. He is a dad, artist, advocate, and facilitator. In 2006, he founded ZENVC, an approach to the practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) that integrates meditation, mindfulness, and inner work. In this, he draws from his own Chinese-American heritage, seven years of living and practicing in Zen monasteries, and training with NVC founder, Marshall Rosenberg, and Center for Understanding in Conflict cofounder Gary Friedman. Jesse is a Center for Nonviolent Communication Certified Trainer and a former volunteer with BayNVC’s Restorative Justice program at San Quentin State Prison. He is also a contributing author to A Thousand Hands: A Guidebook to Caring for Your Buddhist Community.

Together, Catherine and Jesse are the devoted parents of two daughters, and live their practices in Beloved partnership, one day at a time.

“For many years, in my own evolution and teaching, it has been very clear to me that, in order to actualize our spiritual evolution, we need the support of a community who share our vision and values. The Ongo Book provides a practical support for this vision.”

Robert Gonzales

Founder of the Center for Living Compassion and former board president of the Center for Nonviolent Communication

Your order sustains our vision of nonviolence.

The Ongo Book 2.0: Everyday Nonviolence - Transformative daily practices for individuals, couples, and groups - by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens Chu

We have a vision of a world where everyone has access to the tools and teachings that The Ongo Book offers. We wrote this book so that anyone, anywhere, could gather with others to practice nonviolence, and have all the guidance and support they need to get started. Your order of The Ongo Book not only places this guidance and support in your hands, but makes it sustainable for us to donate copies to people and organizations who can help us advance this vision.