In this episode we explore the balance between setting self-care boundaries, while staying in connection with and empathizing with others.  Ever struggled with the fine line between remaining empathic, but not enabling abuse?  This episode is a heartfelt exploration of empathy, boundaries, and self-protection. Don't miss out.

Show notes:  
[1:36] When do we empathize vs setting a boundary? Some principles. 
[5:50]  What to do when money from parents comes with strings attached 
[21:30] How clarity relaxes our nervous system
[26:38] What would be an empathic response when you're being accused of gaslighting? 
[35:07] How can I get others to be less jarring to my nervous system? 
[41:34] How do you respond empathetically to demands and urgency?
[48:02] Why is self-empathy so hard for me, and what could I do about it? 
[57:23] Conclusion

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Ever wondered how to navigate the landscapes of empathy, self-reflection, and interpersonal communication, with grace and compassion? Prepare to be enlightened. Together, we'll explore the importance of understanding our how to separate out the external stimulus from the our internal reactions, especially irritation, and lovingly accepting them without judgment. We dive into how to trust your intuition, listen with a wider lens and absorb what feels right for you.  We talk about the importance of making the implicit, explicit and how attuning to present moment needs lead to wisdom.

Show notes:
Separating Stimulus vs. Response (2:30)
Learn the art of listening and understanding the difference between stimulus and response in conversations.

Asking Someone to "Share the Air" (5:41)
Explore effective techniques for encouraging active participation in group discussions.

"Screaming in Giraffe" (12:30)
Delve into the concept of advocating for yourself nonviolently and improving communication.

Inviting Others to Care (17:41)
Discover ways to invite empathy and support from others without making demands.

Giving Advice Mindfully (20:20)
Find out when and how to provide advice by attuning to needs and self-soothing techniques.

Seeking an Empathic Response (36:15)
Learn how to respond empathically when faced with criticism or an attack.

Dealing with Siblings and Limited Resources (49:00):
Explore strategies for managing challenging family situations when resources are limited.

Conclusion (56:12) Key ideas and insights 

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Are you ready to unlock the delicate dynamics of your relationships? In this episode we talk about the importance of making implicit information explicit, and explore how compassion, proactivity, and understanding can transform your interactions. You'll get practical tools for creating more understanding and awareness, essential for effective communication and fulfilling relationships. Join us in today’s episode to learn how awareness and self-compassion practices can help you respond differently to triggers, giving you greater control and understanding. In a fun twist, we incorporate a listening quiz to evaluate our listening habits and discover how nonviolent communication can enhance these skills. 

Show notes:
[1:10] Addressing communication and relationship needs
[14:35] Navigating relational dynamics and boundaries
[21:31] Difficult conversations and self-care in relationships
[29:43] Self-care in challenging relationships
[36:42] Setting boundaries, seeking help for others
[44:16] Training to increase awareness and choices
[55:08] Check out my website for a fun listening quiz about Listening Archetypes

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Are your friendships and familial relationships causing you to lose sleep? Do you feel as though you're walking in a minefield when trying to communicate your feelings and needs? In this episode, we unravel the complexity of these emotional dynamics, offering practical strategies to help you navigate and cultivate healthier relationships. We talked about trauma, violence, and emotional healing. We underscore the need for openness, respect for consent, and mindful communication when seeking help. We discuss strategies to prevent the cycle of violence and ways to work towards healing consciously. The power of conscious anger, its role in expressing our human rights, and how it can be harnessed in a healthy, life-affirming manner is also mirrored in the conversation. So, tune in and equip yourself with valuable insights to navigate your emotional challenges and relationships.


Show notes:
[3:57] What do you do when your friend stops communicating with you?
[22:08] Communicating with an increasingly aggressive elder parent—how to approach this authentically
[34:43] Diving deeper into taking your problems in a professional, private setting
[49:53] Separating the difference between an expression of intensity and intense emotion expressed in a self-responsible way
[52:55] The wisdom behind anger
[57:21] Let’s talk about competition and awakening the feelings long buried
[60:16] Outro

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Are your family ties feeling like chokeholds? Is it difficult to draw a clear line in the sand with relatives without sparking a feud? This episode is your lifeline.

Join us as we venture into the labyrinth of family dynamics, charting a path towards healthier boundaries and building stronger connections. We emphasize that it's never too late to seek professional help and to redefine ourselves beyond our behavioral patterns. Whether you're grappling with the aftermath of a heated dispute or simply seeking to improve your communication skills, this episode will equip you with the insights and strategies to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Trigger Warning: In this episode, a returning caller discusses an argument that escalated into domestic violence within a relationship. While the focus is on applying principles of nonviolent communication, connection, and compassion, sensitive topics are addressed; the episode delves into nuanced discussions about the acceptability of violence, trauma, and healing, including future explorations of different forms of force. Listener discretion is advised as descriptions of domestic violence are included, alongside conversations about setting boundaries within family and workplace contexts.  Click here for the transcript.


Show notes:
[3:02] How do you create and navigate boundaries with family 
[11:03] Setting boundaries
[14:25] On seeking reassurance 
[23:48] Healing and repair in relationships
[32:46] Healing discharge and breaking cycles
[47:15] What is violence?
[49:18] On effectively saying “no” 
[59:07] Conclusion

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Have you ever been embroiled in a power struggle within your relationships, unsure how to navigate the tension and conflict? Welcome to the first episode of Conversations From The Heart. I am your host, Dr. Yvette Erasmus, and this week, we discuss exactly that - offering an insight into the dynamics of such struggles and providing strategies to move from a place of conflict to one of compassionate connection. We discuss attachment styles, how they can impact our relationships, and the importance of moving away from a punishment mentality to create space for connection and compassion. Join us for this exploration of maintaining compassion and understanding in challenging relationships.  Read the transcript here.

Show notes:
[0:43] Navigating power struggles in relationships
[8:42] Build the community outside of your partner
[14:33] Who are the people you need on your side?
[19:28] Create your container—what it really means
[23:53] Maintaining compassion in difficult conversations 
[30:02] Navigating conflict and seeking justice and healing
[40:04] Go for change and stand for change
[48:45] Addressing why I use pronouns
[52:30] Outro

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Welcome To Conversations From The Heart. I am your host, Dr. Yvette Erasmus and I am on a mission to help you detox judgment, reduce conflict and build deep connections with others. As a child of a diplomat father and a revolutionary mother, I have navigated the complex intersections of cultures, languages, and worldviews. This unique background led me on a journey of self-discovery and healing, and now, through this podcast, I’ll share my insights and experiences to support you on your own journey.  Let's travel to a more peaceful and compassionate world together. Rally your friends and family, and join our community for meaningful conversations from the heart.

If you're looking for a high caliber small group where you can deepen your practice and really live into the principles of compassion, non-violence and relational presence, apply for The Mentorship Circle, which will begin November 2nd. It will be three hours every month of advanced teaching, deep discussion, and practical integration. Learn more here.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. 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:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus