Conversations from the Heart

Yvette Erasmus
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Dec 25, 2023 • 58min

#21 -What To Do When Talking Gets Tough

This podcast focuses on the importance of authentic communication, personal growth, and boundary setting in relationships. They discuss strategies for navigating difficult conversations, addressing issues as they arise, and expressing emotions to prevent regrets. They also explore specific situations, such as improving family dynamics, dealing with someone in assisted living, and supporting a young family member. The podcast emphasizes the power of reframing dynamics, establishing trust, and providing anchor and care in relationships.
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Dec 18, 2023 • 57min

#20 - How to Apologize: Two Examples

The podcast discusses the impact we have on others and explores how to apologize effectively. It emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and offers examples of sincere apologies. The chapters cover navigating difficult conversations, understanding fight mode in relationships, and handling intense emotions. It also delves into the challenges of validating feelings and the importance of self-healing for personal growth.
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Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 1min

#19 - But If I Tell You No, Will I Still Matter to You?

Domination System Programming is very good at teaching us that our value lies in our ability to meet the needs of others.To the extent that I make you feel good, I'm a pleasure to be around.When I'm willing to override my own needs for rest or play and work instead, I am rewarded by being called "dedicated" or "motivated".If I work hard at meeting your needs and put my needs last, I'm a "loving" and "giving" person.It can be an absolute revelation when we realize we are not here to be used as a tool for others to meet their needs.  Instead, as we discuss on this week's podcast, we are here to be subjective, sovereign human beings who are learning how to be in interdependent relationship with one another.    Show notes:(1:33) Saying no feels scary but I don't want to be used.  What do I do?(5:40)How do I reveal myself without upsetting someone else?(12:30)An example of a soft way to say "No"(19:15) The difference between calibrating language and surviving someone's negative judgments of us(23:25)I want the connection to another, but I need to impose a boundary.  What should I say?(26:26)Sometimes I lie to avoid others because it feels easier.  How can I up level that strategy?(36:00)My Ex needs help.  Do I have to be the one to help him?(42:15) How idealizing others can dehumanize them(45:25) In Domination Cultures, the word "respect" is often code for "obedient"(46:15) We are not here to be objects to be used by other people(48:15) Tell me more about Domination  Cultures(49:52) How can I navigate a strained situation with more lightness?(59:12) OutroFor ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Twice a month, I host live calls where members bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube
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Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 1min

#18 - You're Not What I Need, but I Don't Want to Let You Go

The richest and deepest of romantic partnerships is the type where each person is committed to a shared vision of a life together--where each person brings the best of themselves to the other.So what do we do when we're all in, but our partner isn't feeling it?  Or, if the tables are turned, how do we kindly disengage from an ex-partner who isn't ready to let us go?Both sides of the intimate relational coin are up for discussion on today's podcast, in addition to a handy strategy for meeting our emotional needs during a break up.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(2:45) My partner wants less commitment and I want more.  What do I do?(12:00) I'd rather have the hope of working towards a future with you than no hope at all.(23:50) A practical strategy for redirecting emotional needs during a breakup.(30:30) How do positive, encouraging messages fit into NVC?(36:24) NVC as an outward performance.(37:40) My ex wants to re-engage but I don't.  How do I disconnect kindly?(44:40) When you are finished, you get to be done.(49:00)  Do my needs cause others pain?(56:00)  The function of the words "I'm Sorry"(58:30) OutroFor ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Twice a month, I host live calls where members bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube
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Nov 27, 2023 • 52min

#17 - How Can I Share What I'm Learning Without Being Off-Putting?

This week's episode had several questions regarding offering Nonviolent Communication to others.  It can be very hurtful when we believe we have a method of communication that might help strengthen our connection with others, but our loved ones aren't interested in hearing what we have to say.A suggestion?  One of the best ways to inspire others to learn NVC is to live it.Show notes:[0:00] Intro[3:40] How can I share NVC?[8:32] What is the best way to inspire others to learn NVC?[16:20] The importance of focusing on the process, not the content[18:22] I want to be seen and known as competent.  What can I do?[27:30] How to respond to a demand[35:30] We stay connected to others as far as we can stay connected to ourselves[42:00] How can I integrate childhood messages that no longer serve me?[46:00] Addressing the heart of religious trauma[48:00] How can I skillfully ask for a reflection?[50:26] OutroFor ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Twice a month, I host live calls where members bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube
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Nov 20, 2023 • 23min

#16 - [Solo] The Protective vs. The Punitive Use of Force

This podcast explores the difference between protective and punitive use of force, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying needs to resolve conflicts. It discusses the negative effects of using force as justice and the importance of embracing sustainable solutions. It also highlights the need for creative ways to meet needs without harming others and the dangers of generalization in identity-based conflicts.
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Nov 13, 2023 • 54min

#15 - Boundaries vs Requests; Judgments vs Discernments

This podcast explores the difference between judgment and discernment, the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, and navigating cultural differences. It also discusses loving others into wellness, overcoming negative experiences in friendships, and concludes with gratitude and an invitation for further engagement.
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Nov 6, 2023 • 49min

#14 - How to Break Through Codependency

Have you ever wrestled with the fear and discomfort that emerges when you want to shift your relationship dynamics? Are you grappling with codependency or struggling to express your emotions authentically with your parents? In today's conversation, we explore a daughter's heartfelt journey of wanting to honor her parents while navigating the challenges of building deeper connections. We talk about the courage it takes to invite our loved ones into new experiences and the vulnerability that comes with it. Our discussion extends to the wisdom of releasing demanding energies in our interactions, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the freedom of letting go of specific outcomes. The latter part of our conversation is about parenting dynamics, as we observe an 8-year-old learning codependent behaviors from a mom aiming to break free from people-pleasing cycles. Together, we explore the art of expressing ourselves honestly, asking for what we need, and embracing detachment from external outcomes.Show notes:[1:08] Why is it so difficult to show up differently in my relationship with my parents?[4:55] Why am I so uncomfortable when my mom says "I love you"?[11:15] Using hindsight and foresight to heal in the present[14:30] I'm worried this "fancy language" will alienate instead of connect us[19:40] Where does our courage come from?[22:15] How do I respond with empathy without sounding formulaic?[25:16] How you react to me tells me about you AND me[30:05] How do I prevent passing my codependency down to my child?[36:00] How can I work on myself?[39:00] Is it ok to ask others to show up differently?[46:44] OutroFor ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Twice a month, I host live calls where members bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube
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Oct 30, 2023 • 54min

#13 - What Blocks Empathy?

Navigating the complexities of relationships and communication can feel like a tightrope walk - balancing empathy with personal boundaries, all while staying true to ourselves. In this episode, we'll confront the fear of being seen as mean when declining unhealthy conversations and reveal the roots of codependency that stem from such situations. The conversation will go into untouched territories of self-shame and inner rejection. With compassion and understanding, we'll help you navigate tricky conversations and teach you how to support others without taking on their emotional baggage. We'll introduce you to pendulation and its crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between self-protection and connection to our nervous system. Finally, with a strong focus on authenticity and self-respect, we'll explore the path to self-growth and the power of taking small steps to catalyze change. Show notes:[2:23] How do you get to your heart when someone's asking for empathy and you just don't feel it? [4:47] What might be blocking empathy?[6:21] How to help a sister in changing her sister's behavior and regulating their nervous system[17:59] How to stop co-regulating[21:54] How to the muscle of boundaries and self-regulation[23:40] How to build a new relationship with our inner child[28:50] How can my limitations not be harmful to other people?[33:56] What does it mean to have conversations from the heart?[38:33]  Needing to feel safe and connect with others without losing ourselves[42:21] What are some strategies to shift from critical, negative, self-shaming thoughts into self-compassionate words that land? [44:26] How to translate judgment into compassion[49:28] At what point is self-protection holding us back?[51:44] OutroFor ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Twice a month, I host live calls where members bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube
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Oct 23, 2023 • 59min

#12 - Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Improvement

Topics include emotional balance, fear, self-blame, creating safe spaces for children, empathetic listening, reframing fault and blame in divorce, balancing self-acceptance and self-improvement, breaking unhealthy attachments, regulating the nervous system, understanding developmental stages, communication styles, and creating a compassionate world.

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