Balkan Sis

Join us on a deeply moving and enlightening journey with our guest, Jelena Vukalovic, in this captivating two-part episode of Balkan Sis. Jelena is not only an Intuitive Alchemist and Healer Coach but also a remarkable individual with an incredible life story to share.

As a nurse during the turbulent times of the former Yugoslav war, Jelena worked tirelessly amidst unimaginable challenges: no electricity, limited medicine, and scarcity of food. She opens up about her experiences during those tumultuous years, shedding light on the resilience and determination that carried her through those dark times.

But Jelena's story doesn't end there. From surviving the war to embracing motherhood, navigating divorce, and building her business, she embodies the strength and spirit of the Balkan traditions she holds dear. In this episode, she fearlessly discusses domestic violence, love, loss, and the triumphs that have shaped her journey.

From her home in Sydney, Australia, Jelena not only shares her personal insights but also those of her clients, who have benefited from her unique gifts and guidance. We delve into topics such as self-care, well-being, adapting to new cultures, the power of friendship, inner child healing, and even the intriguing realm of past life regressions.

This episode is an extraordinary blend of vulnerability, resilience, and wisdom. Don't miss the opportunity to hear Jelena's captivating story and gain valuable insights into life's trials and triumphs. Be sure to connect with Jelena personally or virtually using the links provided below.

[Links to Jelena's personal and virtual connections]

https://www.healinglite.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/jelenavukalovic

https://www.facebook.com/jelena.kalamir

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2312071768893423

https://www.youtube.com/@jelenavukalovic

https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso/

Pridružite nam se na duboko dirljivom i prosvjetljujućem putovanju s našom gošćom, Jelenom Vukalović, u ovoj zadivljujućoj dvodijelnoj epizodi Balkan Sis. Jelena nije samo intuitivni alkemičar i trener iscjelitelja, već i izvanredna osoba s nevjerojatnom životnom pričom koju može podijeliti.

Kao medicinska sestra u turbulentnim vremenima bivšeg jugoslavenskog rata, Jelena je neumorno radila usred nezamislivih izazova: bez struje, s ograničenim lijekovima i nestašicom hrane. Ona govori o svojim iskustvima tijekom tih burnih godina, bacajući svjetlo na otpornost i odlučnost koji su je vodili kroz ta mračna vremena.

No Jelenina priča tu ne završava. Od preživljavanja rata do prihvaćanja majčinstva, nošenja s razvodom i izgradnje vlastitog posla, ona utjelovljuje snagu i duh balkanskih tradicija koje drži. U ovoj epizodi neustrašivo govori o obiteljskom nasilju, ljubavi, gubitku i trijumfima koji su oblikovali njezino putovanje.

Iz svog doma u Sydneyu, u Australiji, Jelena ne samo da dijeli svoje osobne uvide, već i ona svojih klijenata, koji su imali koristi od njezinih jedinstvenih darova i vodstva. Bavimo se temama kao što su briga o sebi, dobrobit, prilagođavanje novim kulturama, snaga prijateljstva, unutarnje iscjeljivanje djeteta, pa čak i intrigantno područje regresija prošlih života.

Enjoy xox Ivana!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of a delightful conversation with Nikolina Koevska Karoufeh, a multifaceted media producer, presenter, author, and mother of two. Nikolina graciously shared her profound insights into Balkan parenting culture, drawing from her rich Macedonian heritage. We delved into her remarkable journey, where she adeptly navigates the challenges of raising children while passionately pursuing her various talents and interests.

Throughout our discussion, we explored essential topics, such as the value of fostering creativity in our children, the common but often overwhelming feeling of mom's guilt, the complexities of managing anger and frustration in our relationships, and the art of harmoniously navigating life with little ones. Nikolina's experiences exemplified that motherhood doesn't need to put our dreams and ambitions on hold; instead, it can be a catalyst for self-discovery and creativity. We discovered that humour and creativity are potent tools for coping with the trials and tribulations of parenting, reminding us that laughter and innovation can brighten the path.

Moreover, we dived into the significant roles that family and community support play, especially in helping mothers navigate the challenges and struggles of postpartum life. This conversation was not only enlightening but also heartwarming, reinforcing the idea that amidst the rollercoaster of motherhood, we can still find joy, fulfilment, and camaraderie in our journey.

To learn more about Nikolina, please visit the following links:

- Instagram: [Nikolina's Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/)

- My Mummy Loves Fudge: [My Mummy Loves Fudge](https://heynikolinak.com/b/mymummylovesfudge)

- Google Play Book: [My Mummy Loves Fudge on Google Play](https://g.co/kgs/2s3S6T)

U ovom izdanju imala sam zadovoljstvo razgovarati s Nikolinom Koevskom Karoufeh, višestruko nadarenom medijskom producenticom, voditeljicom, autoricom i majkom dvoje djece. Nikolina je podijelila svoje uvide o kulturi odgoja na Balkanu i svojim makedonskim korijenima, te razgovarala o tome kako se nosi s izazovima odgoja djece dok istovremeno slijedi svoje strasti. Istražili smo teme kao što su važnost kreativnosti, suočavanje s osjećajem krivnje majke, upravljanje bijesom prema partnerima i pronalaženje načina za svakodnevni život s malom djecom. Kroz naš razgovor saznali smo da majčinstvo ne mora značiti pauzu u ostvarivanju svojih snova i ambicija, te da su humor i kreativnost moćni alati za suočavanje s izazovima roditeljstva. Dotakli smo se i značaja obitelji i podrške zajednice tijekom postporođajnih borbi. Sveukupno, razgovor s Nikolinom bio je zabavan, obogaćujući i srdačan, podsjećajući nas da možemo pronaći radost i ispunjenje usred majčinstva te da nismo sami u tom putovanju.

Ako želite saznati više o Nikolini, posjetite sljedeće poveznice:

- Instagram Nikoline: [Nikolinin Instagram profil](https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/)

- My Mummy Loves Fudge: [Moja mama voli karamelu](https://heynikolinak.com/b/mymummylovesfudge)

- Google Play Books: [Moja mama voli karamelu na Google Play Books](https://g.co/kgs/2s3S6T)

In this episode, we are joined by Jelena Šutić, a young entrepreneur and founder of the "Pomozi Mojoj Nevjeri" foundation. Jelena shares her inspiring journey and her impressive humanitarian work. We delve into her life in Hercegovina, the challenges faced in Bosnia and Hercegovina, and her dedication to helping others.

Jelena's foundation has raised thousands of dollars and built a house from scratch for those in need. Our conversation is filled with authenticity and emotional insights. We discuss the mindset of burnout and navigating corrupt systems in the Balkans, emphasizing resilience and the power of spreading love and kindness.

One powerful moment was when Jelena said, "It's not important who burnt down whose houses but who is rebuilding them." Join us in supporting this noble cause, whether with one dollar or ten thousand. Together, we can make a difference.

Follow us on Instagram @balkansispodcast for more inspiration and empowerment. For collaborations and inquiries, connect with Jelena on Instagram @pomozi.mojoj.nevjeri.

For local donations in Mostar:

ZUPA SV.IVAN | KNEZA VISESLAVA BB MOSTAR | BROJ RACUNA: 3387402202600915

For international transfers:

UNICREDIT BANK - SVRHA (VAZNO NAGLASITI): PMN BROJ RACUNA UPLATE IZ INOZEMSTVA

BA393380604819574246 SWIFT CODE: UNCRBA22 | NAZIV: ZUPA SV.IVAN ADRESA KNEZA VISESLAVA BB MOSTAR BIH.

Join us in celebrating individuals like Jelena Šutić, inspiring positive change in our communities and around the world.

Connect with us on Instagram https://linktr.ee/ivanaalfonso and share your thoughts and feedback. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing our journey of inspiration and empowerment together.

For collaborations and inquiries, please follow Jelena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pomozi.mojoj.nevjeri/

WATCH Jelena's latest video: https://youtu.be/KNeQ_lMAhc8

For local donations in Mostar, the details are as follows:

Današnja izvanredna gošća je Jelena Šutić, mlada poduzetnica iz Mostara i osnivačica zaklade/organizacije "Pomozi Mojoj Nevjeri." Jelena nas zadivljuje svojom inteligencijom i talentom. S više od 14.000 Instagram pratitelja koji su pristigli potpuno prirodno, Jelena i ja razgovaramo o njezinom humanitarnom radu, njezinom životu u Hercegovini, našim zajedničkim obiteljskim vezama te o izazovima koje ljudi u Bosni i Hercegovini prolaze.

Duboko smo uronili u temu izgaranja, potrebe za traženjem pomoći i korumpiranih sustava s kojima se mladi ljudi na Balkanu suočavaju. Jelena je otvoreno podijelila svoje teško djetinjstvo i prepreke koje je morala svladati kako bi pomogla sebi i drugima. Njezin trud rezultirao je prikupljanjem tisuća dolara za svoju zakladu te izgradnjom druge kuće od temelja za one kojima je to bilo najpotrebnije.

Naš razgovor obiluje iskrenošću i emotivnošću, pružajući mnoge dragocjene uvide i "AHA" trenutke. Ovo me podsjetilo na naša vlastita iskustva kao djece izbjeglica i na važnost ne stvaranja žrtava, već širenja dobrote i ljubavi bez obzira na to kamo idemo.

Jedan od najznačajnijih trenutaka u našem razgovoru bio je kada je Jelena izgovorila riječi: "Nije važno tko je kome spalio kuće, već tko ih zapravo obnavlja!" Ove snažne riječi podsjećaju nas na transformacijsku moć suosjećanja i akcije.

Pozivam vas da razmotrite donaciju ovoj plemenitoj inicijativi, bilo da donirate jedan dolar ili deset tisuća dolara. Svi mi znamo kako je teško iznova izgraditi svoj život nakon značajnog gubitka ili tragedije. Zajedno možemo napraviti razliku.

Hvala vam što ste nam se pridružili u proslavi izvanrednog rada pojedinaca poput Jelene Šutić, koji nas inspiriraju da stvaramo značajne promjene u našim zajednicama i širom svijeta.

What an incredible week it has been! Happy International Women's Day to all you beautiful ladies, near and far. In today's episode, I take the solo flight and share the heartfelt speech that I had the privilege of presenting at the Multicultural Families Organization on the stunning Gold Coast, Australia.

This was a day filled with immense emotion and boundless energy, and to make it even more special, my beautiful mama was there, sitting proudly in the front row, showing her unwavering support. The preparation for this speech involved days and hours of heartfelt dedication, and when the moment arrived, I spoke straight from the depths of my soul.

I delve into our family's remarkable journey, as we transitioned from the war-torn former republic of Yugoslavia to Australia. I also open up about the losses and gains we experienced while embarking on this fresh chapter of our lives. I invite you to share your own stories with me, as I'm always eager to listen and connect.

I genuinely hope you enjoy today's episode, as it is a reflection of the resilience, courage, and strength that women embody. In celebrating International Women's Day, let's remember to embrace not only our sisters, mothers, neighbors, best friends, and grandmas but also anyone who has played a significant role in helping us reach where we stand today.

Becoming a mother has given me a profound insight into the immense power of women. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to host this podcast and connect with inspiring women from all corners of the world. Thank you for your unwavering support and presence.

Wishing you an incredible Women's Week, full of empowerment and self-belief. Always remember that you are powerful beyond measure, and may your light continue to shine, undiminished, in the face of any challenge.

With all my love, Ivana... https://linktr.ee/ivanaalfonso

Wow, kakav nevjerojatan tjedan! Sretan Međunarodni dan žena svim vama prekrasnim damama, blizu i daleko. U današnjoj epizodi letim samostalno i dijelim govor koji sam održala na događanju Multicultural Families Organization na predivnom Zlatnom Obali u Australiji.

To je bio dan ispunjen ogromnom emocionalnom snagom, a kako bi ga učinili još posebnijim, tamo je bila i moja prekrasna mama, ponosno sjedeći u prvom redu, pružajući svoju nepokolebljivu podršku. Priprema za ovaj govor uključivala je dane i sate posvećenog rada, a kad je trenutak došao, govorila sam iz dubina duše.

Uspjela sam detaljno opisati našu obiteljsku izvanrednu priču, kako smo prešli iz ratom razorene bivše Jugoslavije u Australiju. Također sam se otvorila o gubicima i dobitcima koje smo doživjeli ulazeći u ovu novu poglavlje našeg života. Pozivam vas da podijelite svoje priče sa mnom, jer uvijek s radošću slušam i povezujem se s drugim ženama.

Iskreno se nadam da ćete uživati u današnjoj epizodi, jer ona odražava onu istinsku izdržljivost, hrabrost i snagu koja čini žene posebnima. U povodu Međunarodnog dana žena, ne zaboravimo zagrliti ne samo svoje sestre, majke, susjede, najbolje prijateljice i bake, već i svakoga tko je imao značajnu ulogu u našem putu do ovog trenutka.

Postati majkom dalo mi je duboki uvid u nevjerojatnu moć žena. Beskrajno sam zahvalna na prilici da vodim ovaj podcast i povezujem se s inspirirajućim ženama iz svih dijelova svijeta. Hvala vam na vašoj nepokolebljivoj podršci i prisutnosti.

Želim vam nevjerojatnu Žensku Nedjelju, ispunjenu osnaživanjem i vjerom u sebe. Uvijek zapamtite da ste moćne iznad svake mjere, i neka vaša svjetlost nastavi sjati, nepromijenjena, usprkos svakom izazovu.

Sa svom mojom ljubavlju, Ivana...

Exploring Relationships and Boundaries with Psychologist Luciana Franicevic - Part 2

In this second part of our conversation with Luciana Franicevic, a highly qualified psychologist specializing in relationships and boundaries, we delve deeper into the intriguing world of human connections. We discuss our personal journey, how we crossed paths, and what motivated Luciana to pursue her career, highlighting her passion for psychology.

Our discussion explores various aspects of relationships, including friendships and romantic connections. We delve into the complexity of expectations, both self-imposed and externally influenced, shedding light on the intricacies of human interactions and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

Our two-part conversation has been a profound learning experience for me, and I believe you'll gain valuable insights as well. In Part Two, we address questions from our Balkan Sis listeners, enhancing the interactive aspect of our discussion.

We also examine the impact of cultural conditioning, particularly the concept of "good girl" Balkan conditioning, and how childhood experiences can leave lasting imprints on our adult lives and relationships.

Luciana offers a special gift to our Balkan Sis listeners. Don't miss the opportunity to redeem this gift on her website or through her social media channels 🤍. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, and if you're struggling, don't hesitate to speak up 🗣️.

For our Australian listeners, resources like Lifeline and Beyond Blue are valuable starting points for support:

Our conversation is not only enlightening but also a heartwarming exploration of relationships, boundaries, and the human experience.

Istraživanje Odnosa i Granica s Psihologinjom Lucianom Franicevic - Dio 2

U ovom drugom dijelu našeg razgovora s Lucianom Franicevic, visokokvalificiranom psihologinjom specijaliziranom za odnose i granice, dublje zaranjamo u intrigantan svijet ljudskih povezanosti. Raspravljamo o našem osobnom putovanju, kako smo se susreli i što je motiviralo Lucianu da slijedi karijeru, ističući njezinu strast prema psihologiji.

Naš razgovor istražuje različite aspekte odnosa, uključujući prijateljstva i romantične veze. Duboko uranimo u kompleksnost očekivanja, kako onih samoproglašenih tako i onih koji dolaze izvana, osvjetljavajući nijanse ljudskih interakcija i važnost postavljanja zdravih granica.

Naš dvodijelni razgovor bio je duboko iskustvo učenja za mene, i vjerujem da ćete i vi dobiti vrijedne spoznaje. U drugom dijelu obrađujemo pitanja naših slušatelja Balkan Sis, što dodatno obogaćuje interaktivni aspekt naše rasprave.

Također razmatramo utjecaj kulturnog oblikovanja, posebno koncept "djevojčice-modela" balkanskog oblikovanja i kako iskustva iz djetinjstva mogu ostaviti trajne tragove na odrasle živote i odnose.

Luciana nudi poseban dar našim slušateljima Balkan Sis. Ne propustite priliku iskoristiti ovaj dar na njezinoj web stranici ili putem njezinih društvenih medija 🤍. Zapamtite, traženje podrške znak je snage, i ako se borite, nemojte oklijevati govoriti 🗣️.

Naš razgovor nije samo obogaćujući, već i topla istraživanja odnosa, granica i ljudskog iskustva.

<3 Ivana

Exploring Relationships and Boundaries with Psychologist Luciana Franicevic**

In this episode, we have the privilege of diving deep into the world of relationships and boundaries with the highly qualified psychologist, Luciana Franicevic. Luciana's expertise in these areas is truly remarkable, and I'm excited to share our insightful conversation with you.

We begin by delving into our personal connection, sharing how Luciana and I first crossed paths, and what inspired her to pursue a career in this field. Our discussion takes us on a journey through various aspects of relationships, covering friendships, romantic connections, and the expectations we often place on ourselves and others.

This two-part conversation left me with a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights, and I'm eager for you to gain as much from it as I did. In Part Two, we tackle questions from our fellow Balkan Sis listeners, making this conversation even more engaging and enlightening.

We also touch upon the topic of our cultural upbringing and the "good girl" conditioning many of us from the Balkans are familiar with. We discuss how our childhood experiences can leave a lasting impact on our adult lives.

Luciana has generously extended an offer to our Balkan Sis listeners, so be sure to visit her website or reach out to her on social media to claim your special gift 🤍. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and if you're in Australia, websites like Lifeline and Beyond Blue are excellent resources to start with:

- Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

- Luciana Franicevic's Website: [Psychology Central] (http://www.psychology-central.com.au/)

- Connect with Luciana on Facebook: [Psychology Central on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/psychologycentral/)

- Find Luciana on Instagram: [Practical Psychologist on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalpsychologist/?hl=en)

Our conversation is packed with valuable insights, and I hope you find it as enlightening as we did.

Istraživanje Odnosa i Granica s Psihologinjom Lucianom Franicevic

U ovoj epizodi imamo privilegiju duboko zaroniti u svijet odnosa i granica s visoko kvalificiranom psihologinjom, Lucianom Franicevic. Lucianina stručnost u ovim područjima doista je izvanredna, i s radošću ću podijeliti naš razgovor s vama.

Započinjemo dubinskim razgovorom o našoj osobnoj vezi, dijeleći kako smo se Luciana i ja prvi put susrele i što ju je inspiriralo da se upusti u karijeru u ovoj sferi. Naš razgovor nas vodi na putovanje kroz različite aspekte odnosa, obuhvaćajući prijateljstva, romantične veze i očekivanja koja često postavljamo na sebe i druge.

Ovaj dvodijelni razgovor ostavio me bogatijom znanjem i dragocjenim spoznajama, i veselim se da i vi izvučete jednako koliko sam i ja. U drugom dijelu razgovaramo o pitanjima naših slušatelja Balkan Sis, čineći ovaj razgovor još privlačnijim i obogaćujućim.

Dotaknuli smo se i teme našeg kulturnog odgoja i "djevojčice-modela" kojeg mnogi od nas iz Balkana dobro poznaju. Raspravljamo o tome kako naša iskustva iz djetinjstva mogu ostaviti trajan utjecaj na naše odrasle živote.

Luciana je nesebično proširila posebnu ponudu za naše slušatelje Balkan Sis, pa obavezno posjetite njezinu web stranicu ili se obratite putem društvenih medija kako biste ostvarili svoj poseban poklon 🤍. Zapamtite, traženje podrške znak je snage, a ako se nalazite u Australiji, web stranice poput Lifeline i Beyond Blue odlični su resursi za početak:

Naš razgovor obiluje vrijednim spoznajama, i nadam se da ćete ga pronaći jednako obogaćujućim kao i mi.

<3 Ivana

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! YAY! 🎂**

35 never felt so amazing, and I truly believe that February is the new January 😂. After emerging from a transformative healing season, I'm taking a moment to celebrate and share the top 35 things I've learned in 35 years. Life is an ongoing journey, and some of these lessons are still a work in progress. I hope you find inspiration and wisdom in the insights I'm sharing today. ✨

Please let me know which of these insights resonated with you 🥳, and connect with me over on Instagram at @ivanastrbacalfonso. Your heartfelt birthday messages mean the world to me 🤍. I'm incredibly excited to welcome more health, wealth, and abundance into every aspect of my life ☕️.

If you're a fellow Aquarian, I hope you have the most fantastic birthday month 🎉, and I wish you all the best 🍀. Recording this episode was an absolute blast, and if you enjoyed listening to it, don't forget to share the love 🥰.

Sending all my love and more,

Ivana! 💖

https://linktr.ee/ivanaalfonso

SRETAN ROĐENDAN MENI! YAY! 🎂

35 nikada nije bilo tako sjajno, i stvarno vjerujem da je veljača nova siječanj 😂. Nakon izlaska iz značajne sezone iscjeljivanja, uzimam trenutak za proslavu i dijeljenje 35 stvari koje sam naučila u 35 godina. Život je neprestani put, a neki od ovih životnih lekcija još uvijek su u procesu razvoja. Nadam se da ćete pronaći inspiraciju i mudrost u saznanjima koja danas dijelim. ✨

Molim vas, javite mi koje su vas od ovih spoznaja dirnule 🥳, i povežite se samnom na Instagramu na @ivanastrbacalfonso. Vaše iskrene rođendanske poruke znače mi sve 🤍. Izuzetno sam uzbuđena zbog dolaska više zdravlja, bogatstva i obilja u svakom aspektu svog života ☕️.

Ako ste također Vodenjak, nadam se da ćete imati najfantastičniji rođendanski mjesec 🎉, i želim vam sve najbolje 🍀. Snimanje ove epizode bilo je pravo veselje, i ako ste uživali slušajući je, ne zaboravite podijeliti ljubav 🥰.

Šaljem vam svu svoju ljubav i još više,

Ivana! 💖

As a special gift to all my listeners around the world, I believe that now, more than ever, our region and its people need safe spaces and profound healing, even as many years have passed since the war. Helen has generously shared a ten-minute forgiveness meditation, which can be applied to any aspect of your life, whether personal or professional. I genuinely hope it serves you as much as it has served me. Let this be your small stepping stone towards a calmer and more peaceful life.

Sending all my love, xoxo Ivana

Connect with us on Instagram:

- Helen Selmeczy, The Yogini: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theyogini108/)

- Ivana Strbac Alfonso: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso/)

Kao poseban dar svim svojim slušateljima diljem svijeta, vjerujem da sada, više nego ikad, naša regija i njezini ljudi trebaju sigurne prostore i duboko iscjeljenje, čak i nakon mnogo godina koje su prošle od rata. Helen je nesebično podijelila desetominutnu meditaciju opraštanja koju možete primijeniti u bilo kojem aspektu svog života, bilo da je osoban ili profesionalan. Iskreno se nadam da će vam služiti jednako kao što je meni. Neka vam ovo bude mali korak prema mirnijem i spokojnijem životu.

Šaljem vam svu svoju ljubav, xoxo Ivana

I am thrilled to bring you an enlightening conversation with my local yoga teacher and master sound healer, Helen Selmeczy, from THE YOGINI. Over the years, I've discovered a profound love for yoga and the transformative benefits it offers, from breathwork and meditation to inner peace and serenity. Yoga has become a sacred sanctuary for me, a place where I release the burdens I carry.

Despite my initial scepticism about yoga that persisted for years, my dearest friend and fellow Balkan sister, Franka Batinic, encouraged me to overcome my doubts and misconceptions. I'm truly grateful that I did. While I'm far from being a professional, I'm eager to keep learning and adapting yoga to suit both myself and my family.

In this conversation, Helen and I delve into the myriad advantages of yoga practice. We discuss the reasons why some people may feel intimidated by yoga poses and stretches, why sitting in silence can be a challenge, and what might hold us back from embracing this practice wholeheartedly. We touch upon childhood experiences and emotions and explore how we can gradually rebuild our self-confidence, one breath at a time.

During our chat, I open up about a memorable incident that occurred during one of my yoga classes and how my past experiences as a child refugee have influenced my meditation practice. Helen shares her own real-life battles with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, highlighting the profound truth that everything we need for healing is already within us. She presents a beautifully simple and practical approach that can benefit us all and those around us.

Remember, community is a powerful form of medicine, and I'm excited to share this meaningful conversation with you. If you'd like to connect with Helen, you can find all the relevant links at the top.

- Website: [THE YOGINI](https://www.theyogini.net/)

- Facebook: [THE YOGINI on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/theyogini1/)

- Instagram: [THE YOGINI on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theyogini108/)

- Connect with me on Instagram: [Ivana Strbac Alfonso](https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso/)

Jako sam uzbuđena što vam donosim ovo inspirirajuće razgovor s mojom lokalnom učiteljicom joge i majstoricom zvukovnog iscjeljivanja, Helen Selmeczy iz THE YOGINI. Kroz godine, otkrila sam duboku ljubav prema jogi i transformacijske prednosti koje nudi, od vježbi disanja i meditacije do unutarnjeg mira i spokoja. Joga je postala sveto utočište za mene, mjesto gdje oslobađam terete koje nosim.

Unatoč mojoj početnoj skepsi prema jogi koja me prate godinama, moja najbolja prijateljica i sestra s Balkana, Franka Batinic, potaknula me da premostim svoje sumnje i zablude. Za to sam doista zahvalna. Iako daleko sam od toga da budem profesionalac, žudim za nastavkom učenja i prilagodbom joge sebi i svojoj obitelji.

U ovom razgovoru, Helen i ja duboko zaranjamo u brojne prednosti prakticiranja joge. Razgovaramo o razlozima zbog kojih se neki ljudi mogu osjećati nesigurno u vezi joga pozicija i istezanja, zašto sjedenje u tišini može biti izazov, te što nas može kočiti u potpunom omogućavanju ove prakse. Dotaknemo se djetinjstva i emocija i istražujemo kako postepeno obnoviti vlastito samopouzdanje, udah po udah.

Tijekom našeg razgovora, otvaram se o nezaboravnom događaju koji se dogodio tijekom jednog od mojih satova joge i kako su me moja prošla iskustva kao izbjeglice iz djetinjstva utjecala na moju praksu meditacije. Helen dijeli vlastite stvarne borbe s depresijom, bipolarnim poremećajem i anksioznošću, ističući duboku istinu da sve što nam je potrebno za iscjeljenje već je unutar nas. Ona predstavlja divno jednostavan i praktičan pristup koji može koristiti svima nama i onima oko nas.

Zapamtite, zajednica je moćan oblik lijeka, i veselim se što mogu podijeliti ovaj značajan razgovor s vama. Ako želite ostvariti kontakt s Helen, sve relevantne veze možete pronaći na vrhu.

<3 Ivana

Get ready for an exciting episode as I sit down with Leonita, a remarkable host of the BOTA podcast located in the United States. Leonita, a fellow Balkan sister, shares her immense passion and expertise in wellness, beauty, creativity, and nutrition. With years of experience as a fully qualified dietitian in the healthcare field, she made the bold decision to step out on her own and create @nitanutrition.

In our conversation, we delve into the transformative power of mindfulness, awareness, and slowing down in our fast-paced lives. Despite the demands of her busy life and caring for three children, Leonita imparts her invaluable wisdom on how to nurture your body, mind, and spirit, even as a mother at just four months postpartum.

Our discussion extends to the societal and cultural pressures that women, especially from our shared background, face and how our lifestyles and childhood experiences shape our relationship with food. Leonita offers practical tips on proper hydration, the impact of small changes on long-term well-being, and the enduring truth that prevention is often better than a cure.

With a 16-hour time difference between us, I'm thrilled we could connect to bring you this treasure trove of insights. Leonita also shares her personal journey from her childhood in ex-Yugoslavia to her migration story to the USA, offering a unique perspective that sheds light on our experiences as Balkan women.

I found this conversation both fascinating and heartwarming, and I'm sure you will too. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from Leonita's wealth of experience. You'll find all the relevant links in the description below.

P.S. I highly recommend reading Louise Hay's book, "You Can Heal Your Life," as it can help you connect your physical aches and pains with past experiences and blockages, raising your awareness and promoting a balanced, regulated nervous system.

https://www.amazon.com.au/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/dp/0937611018/ref=asc_df_0937611018/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341792439332&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5372226973134413657&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1000665&hvtargid=pla-435485992984&psc=1

XX Ivana | https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso/ | JOIN MY VILLAGE NOW https://www.facebook.com/groups/441617791398759/

https://www.instagram.com/nitanutrition/

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