Judith Orloff, MD: Using Empathy as a Healing Force – Part 1

 Would you like to communicate better with your loved ones? Would you like to be more compassionate and caring? Lisa continues the conversation with our guest today, Corey Lyon Folsom, a highly regarded love and relationship coach and author of the new book, “Soul Statements: A Love Coach's Guide to Successful Communication.” As a certified NLP practitioner and relationship coach, Corey is passionate about helping people expand their empathy and communication skills. Corey teaches how to listen to our inner voice as a way to develop our own Soul Statements. He shares about his vision quest when he was young and how he found solace in nature. He explains that self-care is “soul care.” We can listen to what our soul has to say and hear message from our inner self. This is your own personal signature. We can use Soul Statements to remember who we are. Our inner alignment is always available. We can carry these into any situation. You can have a specific Soul Statement such as “My body is healing itself,” or you can have a more general Soul Statement like, “There’s a wealth of knowledge inside of me.” Corey offers tips and ideas to spur your own personal Soul Statements and develop self-knowledge. State how you feel, especially when you want to feel supported. He suggests substituting requests instead of stating complaints. For several decades, Corey has been a professional tracker, aboriginal skills instructor, wilderness guide, and vision quest leader. He talks about journaling and his wilderness travels. When he leads groups out into nature, he asks them to take an hour or so and write at least one page in their journals. Corey also shares ideas about how to put the spark back into romantic relationships that may have fizzled. One way to start is to look for things to praise the person for doing. It starts with clear communication. Model emotional intelligence. Model caring and serenity. He also talks about his background in Tantra and how it influences his work. After a spiritual soul-awakening in 2009, Corey participated in Ipsalu, Source School of Tantra Yoga, Love Coach Academy, Tony Robbins, and other programs. He explains how his Tantra practice involves being present and paying close attention to the moment. Corey believes if we look for the wonder in life, we can experience true joy! Info: CoreRelationship.com.

How do you explain the concept of God to children? What about other serious subjects such as Death?  Best-selling children’s book author Etan Boritzer is our guest today talking about his series “WHAT IS”? His books focus on character education and social issues. His trademark style of opening questions and dialogue for children, parents, and educators allow for critical thinking skills to develop in the child. Etan writes books which focus on diversity and multi-culturalism, while addressing complex topics, but are written specifically for a younger audience. Four of them are: “What is Love?” “What is Death?” “What is Beautiful?” and “What is God?” Interactive, and meant for discussion,  he helps to fulfill the real mission of discovery in learning.  Info: VeronicaLaneBooks.com

Do you sometimes not know how to communicate with a loved one? Do you argue with your partner or feel like they are not listening to you? Whether in family and friend relationships, or in romantic relationships, there is a way to respond with more compassion and care. Our guest today is Corey Lyon Folsom, a highly regarded love and relationship coach and the author of his new book, “Soul Statements: A Love Coach's Guide to Successful Communication.” As a certified NLP practitioner and relationship coach, Corey is passionate about helping people expand their empathy and communication skills. After a spiritual soul-awakening in 2009, Corey participated in Ipsalu, Source School of Tantra Yoga, Love Coach Academy, Tony Robbins, and other programs. He has also been a professional tracker, wilderness guide, and vision quest leader. Corey offers tips and ideas to have much smoother, clearer communication in all of our relationships. When someone is complaining or expressing having a hard time, he suggests really listening to what they have to say. Make the other person’s pain valid and try to not react immediately. This will help them feel heard. In order to do this, it’s important to listen to yourself first. Corey talks about “filling your own emotional well.” You can do this by spending quiet time alone, having a strong workout, or visiting nature. It’s important to take time to listen to your own heart. This will help us feel calm and find strength in our center. He also describes “Soul Statements,” what they mean, and how to develop your own. This will help with compassionate communication.   Sometimes partners argue and money and finances can be especially challenging. He suggests people go back to their own values, as this gets below the outer circumstances. You can relate more easily when someone is not pointing the finger. Get to the emotions of what’s being felt. We can try to understand our impact on other people. Tell them how you feel, rather than placing blame on them. He talks about non-violent communication and the range of feelings. Corey also touches upon caregiver fatigue and how it’s very common. He asks us to ask, “How can I bring more compassion?” He also talks about the idea of giving and receiving. He suggests pausing before going into an event and spending a few minutes beforehand to ask what you can bring to the conversation. Then, afterward, you can do the same and ask yourself what worked and what didn’t in your communications. He talks about writing Soul Statements and making them personal. How can you move beyond tension? How can you meet someone new and not have the same challenges as you do with others? Corey also suggests going on a “complaint fast”  and taking a week or longer and not expressing complaints out loud. If you feel them, be mindful. To be a better communicator, it’s important to be clear. Be authentic in your communications. Don’t share all of your concerns at once but be concise. Soul Statements are present time reminders. Traditional affirmations express a desired state. This calls in a future version of ourselves. A Soul Statement reminds you of what is true and good. When you have unhelpful thoughts like, “I’m not sure,” or “I don’t think I can,” you can do a Soul Statement like “My heart is a trusted guide,” or “There is strength in my center.” When you feel it, it’s so powerful. You feel the truth of it, and you remind yourself of your own strength. “Wisdom is at my center,” and “In my center, I am held in love,” are great ways to start using Soul Statements.   They also talk about an owl feather that Lisa found on her recent bike ride and the profound wisdom of nature. They discuss the importance of silence, so that you can hear your soul. Bringing that to the relationship will further deepen communication. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: CoreRelationship.com

Would you like to learn more about foods that heal? Our guest today, author and speaker Don Tolman, is a wealth of nutritional information! Don is a public speaker, trainer, educator, entertainer, experimental nutritional-eating researcher, and author of the bestselling book “The Farmacist Desk Reference.” He has written multiple books on a variety of skill-specific mental functions and self-improvement topics. Don's teaching involves the 7 Principles of Health – Clean Air, Clean Water, Sunshine, Whole foods, Walking, Non-toxic Relationships, and Passion. He has been a coach and mentor for key personnel with Xerox, General Motors, and Pitney Bowes corporations.   Today he talks about when the FDA took over the organic food movement and lowered the standards. He talks about ancient wisdom in foods and how various foods relate and heal parts of our bodies. These foods nutritionally target various systems of the body to heal. Plants all have patterns, and these patterns can affect change. For example, walnuts relate to the brain, as the shells and nuts look like the brain. When you cut a carrot, the rings look like a pupil, so they can help with eye health. The kidney bean looks just like our kidneys. The cells receive messages from the foods. An avocado specifically helps in shedding unwanted fat, as it balances hormones. He also talks about “pulse” and how it is a sacred meal that ancients developed made of certain fruits, nuts, and flowers. It offers a sense of wellness and a clear state of mind. He also discusses the dangers of processed sugar, soy products, and genetically modified foods, as well as how fluoride is a chemical. Today he shares his formula for health and success involving whole foods and simple lifestyle changes. Info: TolmanSelfCare.com

Do you enjoy spending a lot of time alone? Are you more of an introvert? Are you sensitive and empathic to others’ needs? All of these traits may make it challenging to navigate our busy, noise-filled lives. Would you like to learn to be a more empowered empath? Lisa continues the conversation today with guest Judith Orloff, MD. Dr. Orloff is a psychiatrist, an empath, and author of the new book, “The Genius of Empathy,” which offers powerful skills to tap into empathy as a daily healing practice in your life and relationships. She talks about how mirror neurons in our brains activate empathy and how empathy then activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This tones the vagus nerve and relaxation can happen more easily. It changes the fight-or-flight reaction. Your immunity increases if you watch an act of empathy. For example, when you see loving, compassionate mothers with their children, it will help you relax. There is empathy in the world, even though all we seem to see on the news are wars and violence. We can affect one another. If you are empathic, for example, and waiting in a long line, you may pick up the feelings of those around you.  Being compassionate can change the energy. She also talks about relationships for empaths, including work situations. She suggests keeping a light schedule before an event or planning to stay there just an hour or so. Setting boundaries is very important. She further discusses how empathic people may think things are their fault, but she teaches how to let go and go into forgiveness. She advises us to not think about the past all the time. You can forgive people who hurt you by accepting that they can’t change. If someone is mistreating you, minimize the contact with them or don’t have contact at all if possible. Enforce healthy boundaries. Meditation helps. She also talks about social activists and how retreats and time away can be very healing. It is necessary for them to replenish their energy and develop empathy for themselves. Meditation and mindfulness practices can be very beneficial. She believes all people, no matter their situation, are looking for empathy. When you are around challenging people, she suggests practicing a “sacred pause.” Take a pause, breathe, re-center, and resume the conversation from a healthier place. You can also practice empathic listening, which is a way to hold a support space for someone. She offers practical tools and steps which are included in her latest book, “The Genius of Empathy.” She also hosts Dr. Orloff’s Empath Support Community on social media. It’s free and everyone is welcome. Dr. Orloff has written many books, including “The Empath’s Survival Guide” and “Thriving as an Empath.” She is a New York Times bestselling author and a UCLA clinical faculty member. She synthesizes conventional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: DrJudithOrloff.com

 Dr. Deepak Chopra is the best-selling author of more than 90 books translated into 43 languages. For the last thirty years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation movement and today he discusses his recent version of his best-selling book “Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.” This simple book can be opened anytime you feel stress to learn more about joyful living. Chopra discusses how the topic of consciousness is moving into the mainstream and more people are discovering the benefits of meditation and using consciousness to heal the body. He reminds us that it IS possible to change, and we can all reach a place of undisturbed peace. For info, www.deepakchopra.com.

Do you sometimes feel reclusive or like an introvert? Do you enjoy spending time by yourself? Perhaps you consider yourself sensitive and empathic. These traits may make it challenging to navigate very busy, noise-filled environments. But how can you become an empowered empath? Our guest today, Judith Orloff, MD, is a psychiatrist, an empath, and author of the new book, “The Genius of Empathy,” which offers powerful skills to tap into empathy as a daily healing practice in your life and relationships. She addresses these ideas and more during today’s interview. During the pandemic, people were given permission to stay inside and alone. This may have seemed ideal for many empaths and Highly Sensitive People. Today, events have returned, we are invited to venture out socially, and life has gotten even more hectic. Yet, many people are still overwhelmed with the thought of being in noisy places and around crowds. Dr. Orloff discusses ways you can be strong whether staying in or going out into the world. So many people were isolated and lonely during the pandemic years. She talks about how it affected Highly Sensitive People, as well as empaths. Highly Sensitive People are very sensitive to lights, sounds, and crowds. Dr. Orloff talks about utilizing practical skills to stay in observation, rather than being taken out by the fray. Meditation may also help. She talks about psychopaths, narcissists, and those with empathy deficiency disorders. Oftentimes, there’s an attraction between empaths and narcissists. The narcissists want to be adored, but they cannot reciprocate. Empaths need to be very cautious of these types of people. Dr. Orloff talks about “love bombing” and how that can be a warning sign. This is typical of narcissists and psychopaths in the beginning. Empaths want love and narcissists want power. This is a huge difference between the two. She further discusses the importance of self-love and self-empathy. Many of us are told we are not enough, or not doing a great job, etc. Loving ourselves is so important, even if you make mistakes. You can always make amends. Lisa and Dr. Orloff talk about difficult situations and conversations. Dr. Orloff suggests having conversations with only one topic. You can move on to additional topics later so as to not overwhelm the person. Keep your center, and have loving detachment. It’s so important to not become enmeshed with another person, especially for empaths. Boundaries can be a huge challenge for empaths, but it’s a skill that must be developed. Some people feel empathy fatigue. When there’s too much noise, or too many people, it’s time to take a break, sit in a quiet or dark room, and slow down. Meditation helps. An empath can be blown out emotionally by the news. It can be very painful to watch. So how can you stay informed but not be overwhelmed? Dr. Orloff suggests setting a limit as to how much news you watch and reminds us that it is not our responsibility to take on all the emotional suffering of the world. She deeply discusses the idea that if you have empathy, you will NOT have wars. Empathy helps to diffuse the warlike energy. You can be empathic toward others, and you don’t want to carry resentments. You want to have a lightness of being and free yourself. Conflict resolution is so important. In fact, the Dalai Lama wrote the Foreword to her book. His life has been dedicated to empathy and compassion. Empathy can be a Superpower! The more people who can empathize, the more the world can become a more peaceful place. Everyone can do this. You must get out of your mind and judgement and go to your heart. The heart wants to try to find empathy and compassion for suffering, especially for those who trigger you. You can have compassion for the wounded part of those who trigger you by recognizing their misery. It doesn’t excuse them, but it frees you. It’s so important to be light, so you don’t have to carry conflict with you. You can choose how much time you want to spend with this person. Don’t be triggered. Write in your journal so you know that those are your emotional triggers. You can begin to work with them. In order to live more peacefully, it is important to accept people’s rigidity. You do not need to agree with them. Dr. Orloff has written many books, including “The Empath’s Survival Guide” and “Thriving as an Empath.” She is a New York Times bestselling author and a UCLA clinical faculty member. She synthesizes conventional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: DrJudithOrloff.com

Lisa continues her conversation today with Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., an internationally renowned best-selling author and speaker in the field of self-development. Wayne opens up about his relationship with his ex-wife and children and talks about the meaning of forgiveness. It may take time, but it is indeed possible. He also discusses his compelling new film, “Ambition To Meaning,” which explores ways to find meaning, fulfillment, and purpose. Wayne is affectionately called the “father of motivation” by his fans. He’s the author of more than 35 books, has created audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. His books “Manifest Your Destiny,” “Wisdom of the Ages,” “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem,” and the New York Times bestsellers “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace,” “The Power of Intention,” “Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life,” “Excuses Begone,” and now “Wishes Fulfilled” have all been featured as National Public Television specials. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: drwaynedyer.com.  

Would you like to find greater purpose and live more intentionally? Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. Today he discusses his compelling new film, “Ambition To Meaning,” which explores ways to find meaning, fulfillment, and purpose. He also shares a technique from renowned mystical author Neville Goddard to manifest your wishes by using your subconscious as you sleep. Wayne is affectionately called the “father of motivation” by his fans. He’s the author of more than 35 books, has created audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. His books “Manifest Your Destiny,” “Wisdom of the Ages,” “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem,” and the New York Times bestsellers “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace,” “The Power of Intention,” “Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life,” “Excuses Begone,” and now “Wishes Fulfilled” have all been featured as National Public Television specials. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: drwaynedyer.com.

Are you interested in Astrology? Would you like to know what’s happening with your individual sign for the remainder of 2024?  Are you ready for the “luckiest day” of the year? Lisa continues the conversation today with expert astrologer Susan Miller who is an internationally known author, columnist, entrepreneur, publisher, and pioneer of the Internet. She is the respected founder of  AstrologyZone.com. The astrological year starts with Aries. The first half of the year is completely different from the second half.  May 25 is the demarcation line. Susan asks us to look at both our Sun Sign Chart, as well as our Rising Sign. She goes through each sign, step by step, and shares details of what’s in store. May has so many beautiful aspects for everyone. May 17 and 18 are considered the luckiest days of the year, as Jupiter conjuncts the Sun. Susan lists important days in her calendar and reminds us that the universe cannot give us things if we don’t know what we want. It is a great time to set intentions. Everything in astrology is about timing. Travel agencies will do well and logistics companies, too. All communications will do well. Jupiter and Pluto will be magical. She shares which signs will travel, which signs will get their dream job, and which signs will find love. She also talks about expenses and who will be the “money magnets” with bonuses, refunds, commissions, and more. Susan discusses her detailed monthly horoscopes, as well as her apps. She mentions Taylor Swift and how it’s her time globally! Susan analyzed her chart for the Washington Post and describes how so many of her planets are in money houses. Beyonce also has money in her astrology chart. It shows that energy goes into making money as well as how she uses it to help others. Even with upcoming Mercury Retrogrades this year, as well as Mars Retrograde in December into 2025, overall, 2024 has very positive aspects! Susan’s website is considered an authority in the field of Western astrology and is read avidly by 13 million unique readers a year. She is a highly respected astrological “thinker” and is recognized worldwide for her astrological writings into areas of business, technology, lifestyle, culture, and the economy. Susan’s monthly forecasts published on her website and on her app, “Daily Horoscope Astrology Zone + More by Susan Miller®” on Apple App Store and Google Play are celebrated worldwide. Readers love Susan's  accuracy and comprehensive reporting of current planetary trends. Susan is the author of 12 astrology books, the ever popular “The Year Ahead” astrology calendars, and writes monthly columns for six international fashion magazines. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: AstrologyZone.com