In a world that is hyper-focused on the "doing" rather than "being," we get asked often, "What do you do anyway?" Often we respond with, "We listen" which is quickly met with "No, but what do you do?" Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative is focused on connection and a new way of listening to ourselves and others. Join Karen & Lynn as they share the power of the work they do and how they are building a connected community ... thanks to all of you!

How much energy do you put into looking "together? How much energy do you put into holding back emotion or putting on a smile when you want to fall apart? More importantly, what would happen if you allowed yourself to fall apart? Truly, what would happen? The conditioning we receive to appear perfect, unemotional, and "together" runs deep. Learning to allow for imperfections, mistake making, and emotional transparency takes deep courage and practice. Join Karen and Lynn as they talk through the benefits of allowing yourself to fall apart.

Everything you do, everything you say, everything you feel is valid, important and it matters. You are a human being who has value ... always. Join Lynn and Karen as they share what it means to feel "real" - to be seen, heard and valued - no matter how you may feel on the inside.

Our world can be overwhelming. The rapid pace of digital technology and the receiving of information can make it feel like it's spinning much faster today. What can you do when you are feeling overwhelmed and helpless? Join Karen and Lynn as they talk through opportunities to ground in the present moment and reframe your sphere of influence.

As human beings, we all have pieces of us that we may not share with others. It's part of our human experience. Being vulnerable can be scary. Allowing others to see us and witness our true selves can be transformative when it is received with non-judgment and empathy. Join Karen and Lynn as they talk through moments of being seen in their vulnerability and how holding space for others to be seen has deepened.

We all experience times in life where we feel like we've lost our way. Maybe it's the result of a traumatic experience. Maybe it's the result of significant changes in life. Maybe life has become overwhelming, and we feel like we are drowning. In the midst of it all, know that you are not alone. Join Karen and Lynn as they talk through their individual experiences of getting lost on the road of life and how connection with others helped them regain their footing.

Although it is two simple words ... Stop It ... "it" can be incredibly difficult to stop when it is something that we have been conditioned to do for many, many years. Before we can make changes, we need to become aware that change is even needed. Join Karen and Lynn as they share powerful messages to "stop it" and how important extending self-compassion and empathy to ourselves, during change, can be.

What happened to you? Listening to the answer to this question for ourselves and others helps shift the framework of how we view our experiences and their impact. "Listening to Trauma" is a new curriculum created by Karen Iverson Riggers and Lynn McLaughlin that seeks to deepen understanding of trauma and how to support our own healing and the healing of others. Listening to Trauma explores what trauma is, the types of trauma we might experience, the effects of trauma, and paths to healing. Connection is prevention, and when our stories are believed, we can begin to heal.

How often have you tried to share difficulties with another person and you experience dismissal, minimization or deflection. It's hard saying life is hard! Yes having struggles or challenges in life is a normal part of our human experience and it does not mean you are difficult, defective or less than any other person. Join Karen and Lynn as they talk through the hard parts of their lives and fully embrace them as part of being human.

Every experience we have ever had creates a personal perception lens with which we see the world. In order to connect with others and meet them where they are requires us to set aside what we know based on our experiences alone. To create relationship and connection, we need to approach people with curiosity and an open mind that creates space for definition and understanding. Join Karen and Lynn as they talk through their experiences of meeting people where they are.