Conversations from the Heart
A weekly, soul-nourishing podcast offering psychologically grounded, heart-centered reflections on human relationships, inner healing, and compassion-based communication.
Focused on live mini-coaching moments to help callers shift from reactive, domination-based communication to collaborative, heart-centered connection. Listen for new scripts for stuck situations, new ways of responding to old relationship dynamics and guidance on how to approach these situations with empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication strategies. Here, we emphasize understanding both one's own needs and the needs of others, creating safe spaces for vulnerable conversations, and finding ways to express ourselves authentically while respecting others' boundaries.
Conversations from the Heart
#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) Outro
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