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

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 Introduction00:02:00 Why Difficult Conversations Feel So Emotionally Intense00:05:00 The Brain’s Fight-or-Flight Response in Conflict00:08:00 Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations00:12:00 The Impact of Childhood Conditioning on Communication00:15:00 A Yogic Perspective: Ahimsa & Satya in Conflict00:18:00 Practical Strategies to Stay Calm and Respond Thoughtfully00:22:00 The Power of Breathwork in Tough Conversations00:25:00 Real-Life Examples: Setting Boundaries & Workplace Conflicts00:28:00 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