DiscoverGoing Pro Yoga PodcastEp #168: Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations with Michael Henri
Ep #168: Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations with Michael Henri

Ep #168: Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations with Michael Henri

Update: 2025-03-20
Share

Description

Difficult conversations can feel overwhelming, triggering anxiety, defensiveness, or avoidance. Why does this happen? This episode explores the biology behind conflict, explaining how the brain and nervous system react to confrontation. When emotions take over, we often react impulsively rather than responding with clarity and confidence.

The discussion breaks down why we avoid tough conversations, how childhood conditioning shapes our reactions, and why our nervous system triggers stress responses in moments of disagreement. Through a yogic perspective, key principles like Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness) offer guidance on handling conversations with compassion and clarity.

Practical strategies include grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and learning how to pause before reacting. The episode also covers real-life scenarios—like setting boundaries with a friend or addressing workplace conflicts—to illustrate how we can navigate difficult conversations while maintaining emotional balance.

If you’ve ever struggled with tough discussions, this episode provides clear, actionable steps to approach them with confidence and calm.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:00 Why Difficult Conversations Feel So Emotionally Intense

00:05:00 The Brain’s Fight-or-Flight Response in Conflict

00:08:00 Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations

00:12:00 The Impact of Childhood Conditioning on Communication

00:15:00 A Yogic Perspective: Ahimsa & Satya in Conflict

00:18:00 Practical Strategies to Stay Calm and Respond Thoughtfully

00:22:00 The Power of Breathwork in Tough Conversations

00:25:00 Real-Life Examples: Setting Boundaries & Workplace Conflicts

00:28:00 Final Reflections on Emotional Awareness and Growth

—-------—-------—-

Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ 

Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

—-------—-------—-

Other Mentions:

Ep# 112: The Nervous System and The Polyvagal Theory

—-------—-------—

Tags: difficult conversations, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, communication skills, setting boundaries, self-regulation, nervous system, stress response, mindfulness, yoga philosophy, ego vs. authenticity, self-growth, vulnerability, active listening, handling disagreements

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Ep #168: Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations with Michael Henri

Ep #168: Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations with Michael Henri

Michael Henri, Paul Teodo, Byron de Marsé