by Yvette Erasmus | Feb 14, 2023 | Interdependence, Love
“Awakening to love can happen only as we let go of our obsession with power and domination … cultures of domination rely on the cultivation of fear as a way of ensuring obedience.” bell hooks The first place that each of us learns about love – what it feels like... by Yvette Erasmus | May 25, 2021 | Communication Relationships NVC
Have you noticed how much information you can find “out there” about codependency and narcissism? It’s overwhelming. And let’s be honest: not all of the content is equally good, true, or helpful.While I’m delighted to see so many people becoming more and... by Yvette Erasmus | Jul 5, 2016 | Communication, Empowerment, Interdependence, NVC
On this Fourth of July weekend, I found myself listening to this song. (Yup. And now it will loop in your head too. You are welcome.) Relational independence is celebrated and revered: “If I never loved, I never would have died. I have my books and my poetry to... by Yvette Erasmus | Jun 28, 2016 | Communication, Love
Being a person is hard. So many relationships are founded on entrenched patterns of judgment, criticism, blame, shame, manipulation, “feedback” (whatever that even means), analysis & evaluations.To make things worse, I then internalize these ways of thinking and... by Yvette Erasmus | Jun 7, 2016 | Communication, Compassion, Connection, Dialogue, Empathy, Empowerment
When I used to hear things like: “Don’t take this personally, but …” or “I am not trying to criticize you, but …” my hackles would rise in preparation. My loyal defenses would kick in (we all know whatever follows that “but” is not going to be good) and I would...