Afleveringen
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The reality of dignity denied
I live in Germany, where dignity is enshrined as Article 1 of our Basic Law, a principle that exists nowhere else in the world with such legal weight. It is declared inviolable, the foundation of our constitution, yet remains a contested reality in daily life.
The right words exist on paper, and the weight of history lingers in the air. Some walk freely, while others are measured, judged, and diminished by systems that were never designed to include them.
I know this world because I lived within its constraints.
Now, I remember the moment again, when my voice fell silent, the day my true self withdrew. I was eleven, standing at the threshold of a life shaped by expectations that never reflected who I was.
No hand to hold, no space where I fit.
I learned that safety came through invisibility, that dignity wasnât something I could assume. Instead, it was something I would have to reclaim, piece by piece, after years of exile from myself.
For decades, I moved within the boundaries others had drawn. I learned to function at 200%, to be useful, to be unquestionable in competence.
Yet in all that striving, I was absent from myself.
My existence revolved around proving worth instead of inhabiting it. I adapted to a world that rewarded compliance, conditioned to anticipate rejection before it arrived.
I internalized the idea that to be accepted, I had to be exceptional, flawless, untouchable. And yet, no matter how much I achieved, dignity remained elusive, parceled out in fragments, contingent on approval, revoked when inconvenient.
Until exhaustion outweighed fear.
I stopped.
I stepped back.
And in that space, I began to see what had always been trueâdignity isnât granted or earned. It isnât fragile nor conditional.
It simply is. It is neither permission nor privilege; it does not shrink when denied or expand when acknowledged. It belongs to each of us, unshakable, whether the world chooses to recognize it or not.
The journey, then, was not to prove my worth but to unlearn the lies that told me it was ever in question.
What is in a World that denies dignity
And yet, the world does not reflect that truth.
I see dignity treated as a privilege rather than a birthright. I see people whose humanity is questioned because of their race, gender, body, or the way they love. I see rights treated as negotiable, safety as temporary, and belonging as something to be granted by those in power.
In the United States, foundational rights unravel under each executive order.
Communities once anchored in mutual care now navigate landscapes growing more hostile by the day.
Healthcare might be dismantled. Humanitarian aid defunded. Social security in danger of being gutted. Education turned into a battleground of ideology rather than a sanctuary for knowledge.
Free speech might erode under policies designed to punish dissent. DEIâDiversity, Equity, Inclusionâerased from institutions, as if removing the words could erase the need.
Identities stripped from legal recognition, forcing millions back into invisibility. A nation where justice is no longer blind, but carefully engineered to favor the powerful.
More than 30 million lives hang in the balance, a humanitarian crisis unfolding at a scale the world has never seen.
Here in Germany, I see another side of the same story.
The law protects me, but does not see me. On paper, I have rights. In daily life, I remain an anomaly. An outsider.
A question mark in a system that still struggles to hold difference. This is a country where dignity is enshrined in Article 1 of the constitution, yet in practice, it is conditional, fragmented, unevenly distributed.
What could be possible in the World
When I think about my future, about the world and the place I would love to finally live in, I envision a world rooted in safety, dignity, and belonging. Where care is fundamental and every person thrives.
It is a world where systems serve people, not the other way around. Where creativity, connection, and rest are valued, and education inspires curiosity. In this place health and well-being are shared priorities, and kindness shapes society.
This world flourishes through self-determination, shared power, and inherent dignity. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are not decorative words. They are the foundation of collective well-being. In this world, joy is abundant, generosity flows, and harmony prevails.
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The contrast between what is and what could be
Exhaustion fills the air, woven into daily life as if it were natural. Rest requires justification, productivity takes priority, and efficiency is praised above all else.
I imagine a world where time belongs to each of us, where slowing down is honored, and where fulfillment replaces depletion. Each day unfolds with balance, purpose, and the freedom to breathe deeply.
Care moves through systems designed with barriers, wrapped in bureaucracy, debt, and judgment. Seeking help turns into proving need, justifying pain, and navigating structures that see numbers rather than lives.
I dream of a world where care flows freely, where kindness is a foundation rather than an exception, and where dignity is unquestioned. Support thrives, offered without hesitation, and built into the fabric of our communities.
Belonging often depends on conformity, with acceptance feeling uncertain and spaces closing off to those who do not fit. Too many places remain inaccessible, and difference meets hesitation rather than welcome.
With my behavior I pay forward to a world where identity stands without defense, where individuality is embraced, and where every person has a place without question. Spaces open for authenticity, where presence is enough and inclusion is natural.
Education often serves systems more than minds, shaping individuals for labor rather than discovery. Schools prepare students to meet standards instead of nurturing exploration, reducing curiosity to an afterthought.
I engage in a vision where learning is a lifelong pursuit, where curiosity leads, and where knowledge moves freely. Growth expands, understanding deepens, and education fosters the full potential of every person.
Health functions as an industry, limiting healing to those with wealth while leaving others behind. People are encouraged to push through pain, endure discomfort, and accept care as a privilege rather than a right.
I invite a world where well-being belongs to everyone, where care is accessible, and where bodies are treated with respect. Healing strengthens communities, and health is grounded in compassion and equity.
Power often remains concentrated, with decisions made behind closed doors while many voices go unheard. Leadership focuses on maintaining structures that benefit a few rather than serving all.
I envision a society where power is shared, where leadership grows from care and responsibility, and where every voice contributes to shaping the whole. Governance nurtures collective well-being, prioritizing justice, fairness, and dignity for all.
Love carries expectations, given in exchange for meeting invisible requirements. Relationships shape themselves around transactions, proving worth, and fulfilling conditions.
I hope for a world where love moves without conditions, where relationships are rooted in truth, and where care flows without obligation. Every person is valued as they are, with connections built on trust, mutual support, and genuine presence.
Survival takes precedence over joy, leaving little room for play, wonder, and celebration. Pleasure often comes with guilt, as if joy requires struggle to be earned.
I create a vision where joy is abundant, where delight is part of the everyday, and where happiness is a shared experience. Laughter, rest, and creativity intertwine with life, and celebration is embraced without hesitation.
Individual achievement receives more attention than collective well-being, making competition more valuable than cooperation. Success is often measured through personal gain rather than shared progress.
I work toward a world where community thrives, where mutual support strengthens relationships, and where success is defined by how well we lift each other up. No one is left to struggle alone, and collaboration is the heart of progress.
Scarcity dominates perspectives, convincing people that time, resources, and opportunities remain insufficient.
I help shape a world where abundance is recognized, where generosity flows freely, and where having enough is not a privilege but a shared reality.
This is a world where security, dignity, and opportunity are available to all, not rationed or reserved for a few.
Living with intention, choosing actions that reflect these values, and fostering a world where safety, dignity, and belonging take root makes this vision real.
This is not just a dreamâit is a path shaped by every choice, every connection, and every act of care, that I make. Every minute, every day, every week, every month, every year.
This is the world in motion, becoming more possible with each step I take toward it and you take toward it.
Extending an invitation to you
What, if the structures around you were actually never built to hold everyone? What, if their unraveling becomes an opening?
An invitation to create something new.
A chance to shape communities where presence is not conditional, where care is embedded in every interaction.
This isnât an abstract hope.
It is already happening. In quiet decisions to choose understanding over division.
In spaces where the old rules of hierarchy and patriarchy give way to collaboration.
In small, daily acts by those who refuse to disappear.
In moments where individuals defy expectation, where communities rally against exclusion. There is the simple act of acknowledging anotherâs dignity, by seeing the human behind and not the object in front. This already disrupts the status quo.
I explore these possibilities, not alone but alongside others who see them too.
If you see them, if you sense them, if you are already shaping them in your own way, then you are part of this unfolding story.
Every action, every refusal to conform to outdated systems, every moment of courage contributes to the transformation. This is not a path carved by a select few; it is a collective movement, gathering strength in its diversity, in itâs equity and in its inclusion of all regardless of labels, categories or visible differences.
There is only one human blood. I does not make differences in color, ethnicity or religion. We are all human.
I am because you are.
I imagine a future where connection outweighs control and dignity is non-negotiable.
Our communities form not out of necessity but out of genuine care. In this world creativity, resilience, and belonging are the foundations of daily life. Our institutions reflect humanity rather than dictate it. The Elders serve it, they are mentors and they give their wisdom freely. Leaders lead with kindness and compassion.
Dignity is the foundation upon which a thriving world is built because it always sees the human beingâme, you, we, and us. Not they and those.
It is the measure of every interaction, every policy, every act of care. And when dignity is upheld, it ripples outward, shaping culture, policies, and systems.
Yes, in Germany, dignity is enshrined in the constitution as a guiding principle, yet it has, at least partially, failed meânot because of the constitution itself, but because people have not upheld it. This failure stems not from malice but from a lack of education and understanding of what dignified action truly entails. Many lack the tools and awareness to bring this principle to life in daily interactions.
Dignity is a force that cannot be contained, but it requires us to nurture itâto learn, to practice, and to embody its principles in every moment.
This is the world I align with. The world I help shape, in every way I can. The world I invite you to co-create, knowing that your presence, your voice, and your choices matter.
What world are you imagining?
Because thatâmore than anything elseâwill shape what comes next.
I welcome you into this vision.
Please share your visions, ideas, thoughts, dreams, and wishes. No one builds a community alone. I ask for your opinion because we create this together.
I am because you are!
Thank you for walking this path with me.
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You Were Not Meant to Live in Survival Mode
Key Focus
Survival mode is not a way to liveâitâs a system response designed to keep people exhausted, reactive, and unable to imagine beyond immediate threats. This episode breaks down how control operates through fear, instability, and internalized limitation. I explore how chronic nervous system activation impacts decisions, relationships, and possibilities. More than identifying the problem, I guide you through reclaiming clarity, grounding, and long-term strategy.
What You Will Learn
How systemic instability keeps people in survival mode
The nervous systemâs automatic responses to fear and uncertainty
The role of narratives, economic dependence, and isolation in maintaining control
Practical somatic tools for breaking the cycle of chronic stress
The difference between reaction and strategic action
Why movements succeed when they are built on vision, not just resistance
How to assess real options and regain personal agency
Episode Breakdown
1. Survival Mode Is Not a Personal Failing
I open with an exploration of how survival mode functions. The body reacts to instability before the mind understands it. This isnât about overreactingâitâs about the nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do: scan for danger and prepare for the worst. When threats are systemic, the body stays locked in a constant state of alertness, making long-term planning difficult.
2. How Control Is Designed to Keep People Stuck
Oppression does not just operate through direct force. It functions through controlling what is considered real, isolating those who resist, and tying economic survival to obedience. This chapter explores how rewriting history, criminalizing dissent, and dismantling financial safety nets create a reality where people feel powerless. None of this happens by accident.
3. The Nervous System in an Unstable World
The body does not separate immediate threats from anticipated ones. A policy change, an economic downturn, or an act of state violence triggers survival responses before the conscious mind can process the full picture. I break down the four primary nervous system responsesâfight, flight, freeze, and fawnâand how they shape behavior in ways that can feel impossible to change.
4. Recognizing the Difference Between Fear and Reality
Fear is real, yet it does not always reflect what is happening in the present moment. I walk through practical ways to assess what is actually changing in your lifeâeconomically, legally, and sociallyâso that responses are based on reality rather than worst-case scenarios. Clarity creates the space for decision-making that is rooted in choice rather than panic.
5. Somatic Practices for Regulation and Agency
Breaking free from survival mode requires more than just intellectual understanding. I introduce four foundational somatic toolsâgrounding, breath, orientation, and self-checkâthat help interrupt the cycle of chronic stress. Each practice is simple, accessible, and designed to create enough steadiness to make intentional choices.
6. Beyond Reaction: Moving Toward What You Want to Build
Every major movement in history succeeded because it was built on vision, not just resistance. I challenge you to shift from focusing only on what you oppose to considering what you are for. Change happens when people hold a clear picture of what they are working toward. I close by asking direct questions about what safety, dignity, and belonging look like for youâand what steps move in that direction.
Final Thoughts
Survival mode is not inevitable. Systems are designed, and they can be redesigned. The first step is clarity. The next step is choice. I offer this episode as a tool to support your own exploration. Listen, reflect, take what is useful, and move forward in the way that aligns with your vision.Take a moment to reflect: What are you for? Not just what you opposeâwhat are you building? If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who might need it. Subscribe for future episodes where I continue exploring clarity, agency, and the power of choice. Want to go deeper? Join the conversation in my Substack, Wild Lionesses Pride by Jay. Your vision matters. Letâs build toward it.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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The Courage to Stay Open â Embracing Openheartedness and Kindness
Episode Summary:Thereâs a moment, just before dawn, when the world is suspended between darkness and light. The sky holds its breath, and for a brief instant, everything is possible. What if your heart was the same? What if it was never truly closed, only waiting for you to notice the quiet spaces where it still whispers, still beats, still reaches?
In this episode, I explore openheartedness as a daily intention and practice. We examine how trauma teaches us to build fortresses for survival and how, over time, these walls can keep us from the very connection and kindness we seek. Through personal reflections, a love letter to the self, and practical insights from Buddhist philosophy, we will uncover what it truly means to live with an open heart.
Key Topics Covered:
The liminal space between protection and constriction
How trauma influences our perception of openness
Openheartedness as an active, courageous practice
The Buddhist concept of MaitrÄ« (Metta)âloving-kindness
Practical ways to cultivate openheartedness through intentional disorientation
A guided journaling exercise for deeper self-reflection
Segment Breakdown:
Opening Reflection: The Quiet Before Dawn
Setting the scene with the metaphor of dawnâs stillness
Inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationship with openness
The Fortress of Survival and the Threshold of Kindness
Personal reflections on trauma and the instinct to self-protect
How walls both protect and isolate
Recognizing that love, connection, and kindness wait at the threshold
The Practice of Openheartedness
Buddhist wisdom on loving-kindness (Metta)
Intentional disorientation as a tool for growth
Practical steps to expand the heartâs capacity for compassion
Journaling & Reflection
A guided journaling prompt: Where in my life am I mistaking protection for constriction?
Encouragement to explore moments of emotional withdrawal and self-protection
Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Engage
Key takeaways: Kindness is not something to chase but something to embody
Final reflections: What if the kindness youâve been seeking has been with you all along?
Encouraging listeners to share their insights and engage with the journaling practice
Call to Action:
If this episode resonates with you, consider subscribing to my podcast and joining the Wild Lion*esses Pride community. Your support allows me to continue creating meaningful content, and a paid subscription helps sustain this space for deep reflection and connection.
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Itâs the kind of morning that feels too heavy for words.
The cafĂ© is bustling, the air thick with the low murmur of conversations, the clink of coffee cups, the shuffle of feet against worn tiles. My seven closest friends and I are huddled around a table, a kaleidoscope of identities and backgrounds blending together. Some of us are queer, some not. Thereâs a Latino among us, a Chinese-American, and one friend who carries the weight of two worldsâBlack and Indigenous heritage wrapped in their skin. And then thereâs me, a survivor of violence, someone learning how to navigate the shifting tides of a world thatâs becoming less and less familiar.
The world thatâs becoming more and more oppressive.
Itâs been seven days since Trumpâs regime began tightening its stranglehold on our nation. Seven days of totalitarian ruleâeach one feeling like a slow suffocation.
Weâve witnessed the unraveling of our freedoms, the crushing of dissent, the stripping of dignity from those who donât fit into the narrow boxes that power wants us to inhabit. Weâre all aware of the danger outside, but here, in this moment, weâre together, in a space that feels like it could be safe. I tell myself that, at least for now.
We talk about the news, about the endless assaults on civil rights, on the daily erosion of what we thought we knew about democracy. But under the surface, thereâs more. Thereâs always more. None of us know the full story, but we all feel it.
One of us is quiet today.
Too quiet.
Theyâve been here with us through everything, the one whoâs usually the loudest, the most vocal about all the absurdities in the world. But today, theyâre different. Itâs not just that theyâre not talking, itâs that theyâve stopped looking at us. Instead, their gaze keeps shifting toward the door, the windowsâoutward, always outward. Theyâve become withdrawn, pulled inward by something none of us have the courage to ask about.
The conversation ebbs and flows, but their silence is louder than anything weâre saying. It doesnât take long before they finally speak, and when they do, their words hit me like a punch to the gut.
âIâm illegal.â
The words hang in the air like smoke, and suddenly everything else feels small. I can feel the room contract. The three of us closest to them look at each other, unsure of what to do, unsure of what to say.
Illegal. Thatâs the word weâre left with.
But we know what that means, donât we? We know what that really means. It means theyâve been living in fear.
It means that at any moment, someone could show up, could rip them from this space, from our lives, from this community weâve built, all because of a label the system has slapped on them.
The terror of it is suffocating. But thereâs more beneath it.
The real heart of this isnât about the word âillegal,â itâs about the way this system has dehumanized them, stripped them of their worth by reducing them to a label, to an object, to something that doesnât deserve the same rights as others.
The system wants us to forget that we are all people, worthy of dignity, no matter our status, no matter our flaws. It turns us into numbers. It strips us of our humanity.
This is the world we live in now.
A world that tells us, over and over, that we are not enough.
And so we sit in silence, each of us holding the weight of it in our chests, unsure of how to speak to that which cannot be fully named.
Our friendâmy friendâfears being caught, detained, and ripped away. Theyâve been living with the knowledge that they are a target, that their very existence in this country is something that could be erased in an instant.
And for now, we donât speak the words. We donât ask the questions. We just let the silence stretch between us.
And then I think about the silence, and how powerful it can be.
How often in our lives, especially now, weâre taught that to be heard, we must speak. We must have an opinion on everything.
Our world, in all its chaos, demands that we constantly perform, constantly react, constantly respond. Everyone has something to sayâabout everything. About politics, about social issues, about climate change, about race, about whatâs right and whatâs wrong.
And what if we donât have anything left to give?
What if weâre too tired, too overwhelmed by the weight of it all to keep speaking, to keep defending, to keep fighting?
Iâve been in situations before where my boundaries are tested, where someone imposes their will on me, telling me what I should do, what I must do. Iâve been in those moments where I have to force myself to say, âIâm sorry, but I donât have the capacity for this right now.â It feels like a small thing to say, but it is everything.
The truth is, when the world demands so much of you, when every conversation turns into a battleground, when every relationship feels like an obligation to performâto agree, to argue, to keep upâthere comes a moment when silence is the only option. Not because I donât have anything to say, but because what I say doesnât feel like it matters anymore.
And I need to protect whatâs left of my spirit.
And maybe thatâs what the world is asking of us right now.
Maybe itâs asking us to take a stand in our silence.
The constant pressure to have an opinion on everything, to comment, to react, to engageâis that really necessary? Do we truly need to say something about everything, or can we just let some things be? In a time where words can be twisted and turned against us, where speaking up feels like a form of exposure, can we choose silence as a form of resistance?
The power of silence is in what it withholds, and in what it protects.
I think about how silence has been a tool in many aspects of my life, in many of our lives. In a meeting at work, when a colleague proposes an idea that doesnât sit right with me, I can feel the urge to speak up, to argue against it, to defend my position. But what if, instead of reacting, I simply allowed my silence to speak for me? What if I chose not to engage, to trust that the silence itself was loud enough, that my lack of defense would be enough to make the point?
In those moments, silence becomes a powerful communicator, a way of asserting my presence without the need for words. Itâs the same when someone presses me at the checkout, trying to push me into a response thatâs not mine to give. The cashier asks if I have smaller change, clearly irritated, and the world tells me I should react, get defensive, explain myself. But instead, I smile, shake my head, and walk away. Itâs a small act, and itâs mine. I choose how I respond, and in that moment, I choose silence. Because sometimes, silence is the most honest response.
And yet, we live in a time where silence is often seen as weakness. Where to remain silent is to acquiesce, to give in, to let things happen to us. And I wonder if thatâs true. Maybe silence is the ultimate act of agency. Maybe itâs the only way we can reclaim whatâs been taken from us, the only way we can push back against the forces that seek to strip us of our dignity.
And this silence doesnât feel like peace. It feels like resistance, like the last stand of a battered soul. And then something shifts. That small, tentative voice rises again.
âWe need to do something,â it says.
The words are simple, but the weight they carry is heavy. My heart races as I hear the urgency, the rawness, the fear in this voice.
I, we canât stay silent forever. I have to act. I, we have to fight for them, for each other. We are all in this together.
And as I look around at my friendsâeach one of us carrying some form of trauma, some form of pain, some form of oppressionâI know that we cannot allow this system to strip any more of us of our humanity.
The time for silence is over.
Weâve kept quiet for too long, out of fear, out of exhaustion, out of self-preservation.
And silence, as much as it is a tool for survival, is also the tool of the oppressor.
Silence is how they make us small.
Silence is how they break us.
And, we will not be broken.
We will not let them silence us, not anymore.
We will not sit in this café, in this room, pretending that everything is okay.
We will not let the system keep us divided, keep us fragmented, keep us afraid.
We will stand together. We will speak up. And we will shout against injustice.
The conversation shifts, not with a bang, but with a deep, collective breath. One by one, we begin to speak, to share our own fears, our own stories, our own pain. We are no longer just a group of people, we are a movementâa force, unified in our determination to protect our friend and to protect each other.
Why?
Because we are all aware of the small gap between them, as an undocumented immigrant, and each of us. Gay, lesbian, transgender, Black, Indigenous, Chineseâeach of us with our own challenges within this system.
Which group they come for next?
We are more than the labels they try to put on us.
We are more than the fears they try to impose.
We are human, and nothing, not a regime, not a label, can take that away.
We talk about what we can do. We talk about organizing, about speaking out, about standing in solidarity. Our voices grow louder, and I feel a spark inside me, a fire that has been burning quietly for too long.
The silence we have kept for so longâboth in our personal lives and in the worldâis no longer a refuge. It is a call to action. It is time to speak, time to rise, time to fight back. And we will.
We will speak loud and clear, not just for our friend, but for everyone who is being silenced, for everyone who is being objectified, for everyone whose humanity is being stripped away. We will not be complicit.
There is a time for silence, yes.
And there is also a time to speak.
* To speak with one voice, united in our shared humanity.
* To speak out against oppression, against dehumanization, against injustice.
* To speak for those who cannot speak, for those who are silenced by fear and violence.
And when we find the stillness, the clarity will come.
Like a crystal-clear lake that mirrors the surroundings, silence, when merged with kindness and compassion, will guide us to the next steps. We will know, with our diverse backgrounds, our varied skills, and our united strength, what to do to push back.
As we sit together, we observe that reclaiming the Constitution of the United States of Americaâsomething we deeply valueârequires the support of many American citizens, as well as people beyond U.S. borders.
We all recognize the erosion of our rights and humanity in recent months. In light of this, we agree that after 250 years of amendments, itâs time to reconsider and modernize the Constitution. We need a framework that reflects justice, equality, and inclusivity, ensuring belonging for all and removing outdated ideologies that hinder fairness and equity. This isnât just about the pastâitâs about the country we long to live in, and the future we seek to create.
And so, we rise. Together. In solidarity. For justice. For dignity. For humanity.
And in that moment, I knowâwe are stronger than any regime, than any system, than any force that tries to break us. We are unbreakable, because we are human, and we stand together.
We speak. And we will be heard.
Glad to walk this path beside you.
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Creating art, testing recipes, and sharing my reflections here is a labor of love, but it also comes with real costs. Since January 2024 I am on sick leave for mental health challenges. Monty and I make life workable with a disposable income of âŹ350 / $380 a month.
I share more on my current situation here:
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Thank you for your kindness and generosityâit truly makes a difference. Together, weâre creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and Iâm so grateful youâre part of this journey
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What You Still Can Do When They Take All the Power?!
Episode Summary:
On January 20th, 2025, the inauguration of a President with an agenda to dismantle democratic freedoms and suppress marginalized groups ushers in a new era of systemic oppression in the United States. Drawing parallels to historical patterns, including the rise of the Third Reich, this episode explores the mechanisms of controlâfear, isolation, and dependencyâthat oppressive systems rely on to thrive.
Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and actionable strategies, this episode empowers listeners to reclaim their agency, build solidarity, and take intentional steps toward resistance.
Listeners will learn how to recognize and disrupt oppressive narratives, rebuild autonomy, and foster resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Together, weâll uncover the power of collective action and individual courage in the ongoing fight for justice and freedom.
Chapters and Key Topics:
1. Feeling the Ground Erode
Introduction to the current political climate and its impact on individual freedoms.
A personal reflection on how systems of control instill fear and compliance.
Takeaway: Awareness of how oppressive systems gain power by eroding autonomy.
2. Naming What You Feel
Recognizing the internalized narratives of oppression.
Examples of how fear and division affect personal and community dynamics.
Takeaway: Naming emotions and experiences is the first step to reclaiming agency.
3. The Anatomy of Oppression
Breakdown of the five mechanisms of oppression:
Control of Narrative
Isolation
Economic Dependency
Fear and Punishment
Internalization
Takeaway: Understanding how these tools function helps to dismantle their hold.
4. Lessons from History: A German Perspective
Insights from Nazi Germany: How fear, propaganda, and institutional complicity upheld oppression.
The role of individuals and institutions in enabling systemic control.
Takeaway: Historical lessons as a guide for recognizing and resisting modern parallels.
5. The Role of Complicity and Compliance
Exploring how passive compliance sustains oppression.
Reflection on personal and societal complicity.
Takeaway: Acknowledging complicity opens the door to meaningful change.
6. Disrupting Oppression: Tools for Resistance
Strategies for breaking free from systemic control:
Observing and understanding power dynamics.
Rebuilding self-agency through therapy and reflection.
Building solidarity and networks of support.
Challenging dominant narratives through storytelling and truth-telling.
Prioritizing self-preservation as a form of resistance.
Taking collective action through voting, organizing, and advocacy.
Takeaway: Resistance begins with small, intentional steps that collectively create change.
7. A Shift in Perspective
The importance of rejecting imposed narratives and trusting oneâs inner truth.
Takeaway: By reclaiming personal agency, listeners can weaken oppressive systems and inspire transformation.
8. Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle Together
A call to action for listeners to reclaim their voice, foster connection, and envision a different future.
Takeaway: Empowerment lies in recognizing that even small acts of resistance matter.
Target Audience:
Activists, advocates, and individuals feeling the weight of systemic oppression.
Those seeking actionable steps to challenge control in personal, professional, or societal contexts.
Listeners interested in history, psychology, and social justice.
Content Style:
Personal and reflective storytelling intertwined with historical and contemporary analysis.
Emphasis on empowerment, resilience, and actionable guidance.
Thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, with a balance of urgency and hope.
â€ïž If you find this piece meaningful, consider clicking the heart at the top or bottom of the post. It helps others discover this newsletter and brightens my day.
Would you be willing to Support My Work and Subscribe as well as Contribute? It would mean so much to me!
Creating art, testing recipes, and sharing my reflections here is a labor of love, but it also comes with real costs. Since January 2024 I am on sick leave for mental health challenges. Monty and I make life workable with a disposable income of âŹ350 / $380 a month.
Hi There! I am Monty, to my friends and Sir Montgomery in formal situations. Very glad to make your acquaintance. Will you become part of Jayâs and me pride? Iâd really love that, then you can call me Monty.
I share more on my current situation here:
When Healing Means Losing Everything
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
And if I may askâshould you happen to know of opportunities for a cook, baker, barkeep, host, concierge, travel manager, personal assistant, house philosopher, systemic conversationalist, photographer, resident artist, or even a whimsical weather frog personâplease pass along my name. Iâm eager to embrace new adventures, wherever the tides of life and serendipity may lead me.
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A Call to Conscience
Episode Title: Will You Stand for Dignity, or Betray Your Conscience?
Episode Description:
In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I share my journey of confronting the universal question: Will I stay silent, or will I stand for my truth and the dignity of others?
Drawing connections between historical injustices and the challenges we face today, I explore the weight of conscience and the unyielding fight for dignity. From the systematic dehumanization during the Third Reich to my own experience coming out as a lesbian in 1986 Germany, and more recently as non-binary, I reflect on the courage required to live authentically in a world often hostile to authenticity.
This episode is a call to action: to honor your conscience, to stand for human rights, and to recognize dignity as a birthright, not a privilege. Together, let us reject dehumanization and embrace empathy, justice, and kindness as the foundations of a just society.
Key Topics Covered:
Historical Context:
Overview of the identification system used in Nazi concentration camps and its chilling parallels to modern acts of othering and oppression.
Reflection on how dehumanization becomes possible when conscience is silenced.
Personal Journey:
Coming out as a lesbian in 1986 Germany amidst the remnants of patriarchal laws like §174a StGB.
My journey to reclaim dignity and authenticity, including my non-binary identity and its impact on my life.
The Role of Conscience:
How trauma severs us from our conscience and the hard-fought path to reconnecting with it.
The dynamic nature of conscience as a personal moral guide, distinct from societal expectations.
A Call to Action:
Examining the political landscape and the importance of standing against leaders and policies that erode human rights.
Questions to ask ourselves about our role in supporting dignity and justice.
Reflection on Dignity:
Understanding dignity as intrinsic and inviolable, not something bestowed by external validation.
How protecting dignity is both a personal and collective responsibility.
Episode Highlights:
Historical Reminder: The identification system in Nazi camps serves as a stark warning about the consequences of silencing conscience and erasing dignity.
Personal Transformation: Sharing my struggles and triumphs in living authentically, even when it meant losing everything I thought defined me.
Call to Conscience: A rallying cry for listeners to examine their beliefs, actions, and the leaders they support, urging alignment with dignity and justice.
Listener Takeaways:
How to align your actions with your conscience and stand for the dignity of all people.
The importance of challenging dehumanizing rhetoric and policies in both personal and societal contexts.
An invitation to reflect on your role in fostering a world rooted in kindness, empathy, and equity.
Links & Resources:
Educational Material from the SS: Overview of Identification in Concentration Camps
My Substack: Wild Lionesses Pride â When Healing Means Losing Everything
Episode Image ALT Text:
A historical chart titled "Kenzeichen fĂŒr SchutzhĂ€ftlinge in den Konz.-Lagern" (Identification Marks for Protective Custody Prisoners in Concentration Camps). The chart outlines triangular symbols and colors used to classify prisoners, including political prisoners, habitual criminals, emigrants, Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, and "asocials." It reflects the chilling reality of systemic dehumanization.
Call to Action:
This episode invites you to reflect on your conscience. Will you stand for the dignity of others and yourself? Let us rise together to protect human rights, reject hate, and build a world where authenticity and humanity are celebrated.
Thank You:
Thank you for walking this path with me. Together, we can honor dignity and conscience in all that we do.
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Rediscovering Myself Through Depth and Connection
Episode Description:In this episode, I invite you to join me on a deeply personal journey of transformation, vulnerability, and connection. When the structures of my life seemed to collapse, I was called to open in ways I never thought possible. This experience became a progressionâstarting with discovering length and width within myself and ultimately leading to profound depth.
Through this lens, I share how loss became an opening, not only for my true self to emerge but also for a remarkable community to hold space for me. These reflections explore the courage to trust, the safety of surrender, and the stillness waiting beneath lifeâs chaos.
Episode Chapters:
Setting the Theme: DeeperAs the new year begins, I reflect on the word Deeper as a guiding themeânot just for the year ahead but for the life-altering journey Iâve experienced. I introduce the key ideas of opening and creating space for courage, trust, and depth to emerge.
Length: The Horizon WithinThis chapter explores the metaphor of standing at the edge of the sea, where opening ourselves reveals an expanse within. As we gaze outward, we begin to notice the vast ocean inside our heartsâa space filled with possibilities.
Width: Trusting the Inner OceanWith courage, I learned to float, trusting the waves to hold me. This chapter reflects on the process of letting go, allowing trust to take root and offering a foundation for surrender.
Depth: Sinking Below the SurfaceIn this pivotal chapter, I explore what it means to surrender fullyâto sink below the turbulence of lifeâs surface chaos and find stillness. Drawing on Jon Kabat-Zinnâs insights, I share how just beneath the surface, profound quiet awaits.
The Letter from LoveAt the heart of this episode is a Letter from Love, written in response to a devastating moment in my life. This letter speaks to the losses I endured, including personal bankruptcy and the dissolution of dreams, while celebrating the resilience I discovered. It also honors the incredible community that showed up for me in ways I could never have anticipated.
The PAST FrameworkAs I close the episode, I offer the PAST frameworkâa simple yet powerful tool to navigate overwhelm with compassion:
Pause: Create space to breathe and interrupt reactivity.
Acknowledge: Name what youâre feeling without judgment.
Soften: Bring kindness to yourself in the moment.
Tend: Take one small nurturing action to support your well-being.
Final ReflectionsThe episode concludes with a reminder that depth isnât about achieving perfection or reaching a destination. Itâs about inhabiting the present moment fully, trusting ourselves, and embracing the light we uncover even in lifeâs darkest corners.
Listen now to explore how loss can create space for connection, authenticity, and the rediscovery of self.
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When Healing Means Losing Everything
Introduction: The Bomb DropsThe story begins with the devastating news of bankruptcy, setting the stage for a reflection on loss, sacrifice, and resilience.
Her Dream, Not MineA deep dive into the companyâs origins and how it became a vessel for someone elseâs aspirations, leaving little space for personal identity.
The Weight of SacrificeA recounting of the hours, inheritance, and personal well-being invested in keeping the company afloat, despite mounting challenges.
The Collapse: Facing the UnbearableExploring the financial and emotional toll of the companyâs failure, including the looming âŹ70,000 debt and the potential loss of home and stability.
The Reckoning: A Life Without SelfA reflection on living the un-lived lives of othersâparents, a partnerâand the realization of an identity shaped by external expectations.
Solace in CommunityHow finding an online community has provided understanding, moral support, and the courage to share this journey.
Conclusion: Holding On to BelongingDespite the losses, the essay ends with a sense of belonging and hope found in connection and shared humanity.
Thereâs an ache in my chest that words barely containâa weight that has grown unbearable. Today, my colleague told me what I had long feared but hoped might never come: the company, which my partner built in 2001, has no choice but to declare bankruptcy.
This is not just any companyâit was her dream, more than mine. After her death at 64, when her family and husband rejected her estate, my colleague, my brother, and I stepped in. We took over the business from the insolvency of her estate, believing we could preserve what she had built and keep her legacy alive.
Since 2001, I had poured everything into the company: most of my inheritance, countless hoursâsometimes working 150-hour weeksâjust to keep costs down. The bank, in its conservative stance, stopped believing in women entrepreneurs and refused to finance expansion or modernization. I compensated by working harder, renouncing parts of my salary while simultaneously investing my own money into a company I didnât even have shares in. I did it because I had been socialized to sacrifice for others, and because I didnât even remember having needs of my own.
Just four months before her death, we took out a âŹ110,000 loan (about $120,000) to secure the companyâs future. It felt like a necessary step, but after she passed, the responsibility fell squarely on me. Over the years, the loan has been paid down to about âŹ70,000 (approximately $75,000), but now, as the company collapses, that debt is mine alone to bear.
Looking back now, with everything Iâve endured and learned, I see the painful truth: I had no dreams, no goals, no aspirations of my own. I wasnât living my life. I was living the un-lived life of my parents, her unlived life, and the expectations of everyone around me. And somehow, I didnât even realize it. Everything I thought I was building wasnât truly mine. I worked tirelessly for others, guided by beliefs and values that werenât my own.
And now, in my efforts to save everyone else, Iâve most likely given the shirt off my back. The money Iâve invested, the home I live in, the car I drive, and even the fragile thread of financial stability I clung toâall of it hangs in the balance.
When healing comes with the likelihood of losing everythingâabsolutely everythingâitâs a reckoning. Most likely, even my home will be gone. Itâs the house my parents bought, too big for me alone in more ways than one. It was meant for a family, yet here I am, living in two-thirds of it with Monty, while my brother lives next door in an apartment within the other house our mother owned. And here I amâ57 years oldâwatching my life crumble in ways Iâve probably feared for a long time.
When I stepped down and went on sick leave a year ago, things werenât rosy then either. Without my constant pushing, functioning, and reinventingâfinding tweaks and turnsâmy colleague simply couldnât steer the ship onto another course. To be honest, I tried to change course for years, but I was met with so much resistance, so much unwillingness to rethink, to change, to see the cracks in the foundation.
It wasnât just my colleague or my late partner who resisted the shift. It was also me. My trauma kept me tethered to a loyalty that wasnât truly mineâa loyalty to everyone else, but never to myself. My exiled self walled off any intuition I might have had, leaving me to work tirelessly, not for myself, but for the beliefs and values of my parents, the ideals of my partner, and the security of âmyâ employees.
I gave everything I had. And now, it seems, the life I built will take everything else as it collapses.
In the midst of this, my offline life is not just quietâitâs non-existent. Itâs an empty room. Thereâs no one to turn to, no voices to share this with, no presence to help carry even a sliver of this burden. For a long time, I thought this isolation was inevitable, something I had to endure quietly.
But over the past four months, Iâve found a sanctuary in this communityâa space that has offered me solace, understanding, and moral support unlike anything Iâve ever experienced offline. The perspectives and shared humanity here have been a lifeline. This is the only place where Iâve felt truly seen.
So, Iâm sharing this nowânot because I expect solutions or sympathy, but because I need to put these words somewhere. The weight of my circumstances feels lighter when I write to you, even knowing thereâs no magic fix. Thereâs something profound in saying, âThis is my reality,â and trusting that someone out there will read these words and, for a moment, hold them with care.
To anyone reading this, thank you for being here. In the midst of losing everything, Iâve found a kind of belonging I didnât know I needed. And that, right now, is worth holding on to.
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Roaring into New Chapters in 2025
Celebrating dignity creativity and the wildness within our stories by reflecting on 2024 and setting intentions for 2025
Description:In this heartfelt audio essay, I take you on a journey through the transformative year of 2024âa year marked by healing, self-discovery, and reconnecting with my authentic self. I share how my Canyon Model serves as a metaphor for navigating lifeâs complexities, uncovering the textures, colors, and stories that define my inner landscape.
Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned, the connections forged, and the creative outlets that have grounded me, from art to cooking. Together, weâll explore themes of resilience, dignity, and intersectionality while looking ahead to 2025. This year, I set three key intentions: continuing the healing process, fostering meaningful relationships to counter isolation, and claiming authorship over my narrative through writing, art, and shared experiences.
Whether youâre here to reflect on your own journey, find inspiration in the shared human experience, or simply pause and reconnect, this episode offers a space to explore the beauty and complexity of the wild canyons within us all.
Whatâs Inside:
Reflections on 2024: A year of growth and transformation
Insights into my Canyon Model and its role in healing
How art, cooking, and storytelling anchor the journey
Intentions for 2025: Healing, connection, and authorship
Tune in for an exploration of the untamed landscapes of life, where every story matters, and every voice contributes to a greater whole.
Thank you for being part of this pride.
Letâs roar into 2025 together.
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How Dignity Transforms Shame Into Self-Acceptance - Part Two
This essay explores the intricate relationship between dignity and toxic shame, chronicling the transformative insights that guided my journey from a fractured self-image to a rediscovered sense of intrinsic worth and self-acceptance. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key elements and insights presented in this piece:
Introduction
Opening Context:A reflection on Gerald HĂŒtherâs book WĂŒrde (Dignity) sparked a journey of self-discovery in October 2023. This evolved further through the concept of "re-wilding the Self" as introduced on InsightTimer.
Jon Kabat-Zinnâs Perspective on Wholeness:His insights on mindfulness and intrinsic worth reframed my understanding of self-care as a practice of prioritizing my own needs and well-being.
Understanding Toxic Shame
Key Realization (January 2024):After years of functioning at 200%, I acknowledged the unsustainability of my life and prioritized self-care by stepping back from work. This decision initiated profound life changes.
Insights from John Bradshaw (May 2024):Bradshawâs Healing the Shame that Binds You deepened my understanding of toxic shame as more than fleeting feelings of unworthiness but as an ingrained belief of inherent defectiveness.
Contrast with BrenĂ© Brown:While BrenĂ© Brown emphasizes the universality of shame and its potential to guide growth, Bradshawâs work revealed toxic shame as a distortion that obstructs self-acceptance and reinforces the false notion of being inherently flawed.
Reclaiming Dignity
From Survival to Self-Connection:Gerald HĂŒtherâs emphasis on inherent dignity and Bradshawâs exploration of shame highlighted how survival strategies kept me disconnected from my true self.
Profound Realizations:
âI am an imposition and a disgrace.âA critical step in uncovering toxic shameâs pervasive influence.
âI have been unhappy for the most part of my life.âA sobering acknowledgment of the depth of my disconnection.
Shift Toward Wholeness:Jon Kabat-Zinnâs teachings on mindfulness and embodied awareness reinforced my evolving understanding of dignity as intrinsic, not dependent on external validation.
The Interconnected Aspects of Self
Toxic Shameâs Impact:It inhibits access to fundamental aspects of the self, such as self-worth, self-trust, and self-expression.
Reclaiming the Self:
Self-Worth: Rediscovering inherent value.
Self-Compassion: Learning kindness toward oneself through practices like metta prayers.
Self-Identity: Gaining a clearer sense of who I am.
Self-Expression: Moving from people-pleasing to authentic communication.
Self-Trust: Building confidence through embodiment practices.
Self-Care: Establishing habits for well-being.
Self-Confidence: Transitioning from "faking it" to genuinely embodying it.
Self-Acceptance: Embracing all aspects of myself daily.
Self-Boundaries: Defining limits to safeguard identity and dignity.
The Path Forward
Breaking the Grip of Toxic Shame:Releasing deeply ingrained messages of inadequacy has allowed my true inner Self to emerge.
Dignity as a Constant Presence:Rather than being conditional, dignity is an ever-present truth, grounded in mindfulness and self-awareness.
Reflections on Growth:Healing and self-reconnection are ongoing processes, requiring compassion, patience, and courage.
Conclusion
This essay concludes by affirming dignity as a fundamental aspect of beingânot a concept to be earned but an intrinsic truth to be embraced. The journey toward self-acceptance is an act of reclaiming this inherent worth while letting go of the toxic shame that keeps us disconnected from our true selves.
If this reflection resonates with you, let it inspire your own journey toward self-discovery and wholeness.
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How Dignity Transforms Shame Into Self-Acceptance
Explore the transformative insights that helped me realize that dignity isnât just a conceptâââitâs an intrinsic part of our identity waiting to be uncovered.
Description:In this episode, Jay shares a deeply personal exploration of dignity, prompted by Prof. Dr. Gerald HĂŒtherâs book WĂŒrde. What began as a random discovery at a train station turned into a transformative experience, reshaping how Jay viewed their own worth. From the foundational principles of dignity in German law to HĂŒther's insights on dignity as an internal force, Jay reveals how their understanding of dignity evolved from an external validation to an intrinsic birthright.
I hadnât gone looking for WĂŒrde, Prof. Dr. Gerald HĂŒtherâs book (eBook in German) on dignity; it found me....
Key Themes:
Dignity as Intrinsic to Identity: Jay reflects on the concept of dignity as a core part of our humanity, not something granted by others, but something inherent in all of us. Drawing from HĂŒtherâs ideas, dignity is understood as a deeply personal awareness of worth, shaping how we live and interact.
Historical and Philosophical Roots: Jay connects dignity to its historical evolution, from Roman virtue to Enlightenment philosophers like Kant, and how these ideas evolved into the modern human rights framework. This includes the importance of dignity in the German Constitution, which enshrines it as a fundamental human right.
Objectification and Self-Objectification: Drawing from HĂŒtherâs teachings, Jay discusses how dignity is eroded when we are objectifiedâwhether by external forces or by internalized survival mechanisms. For much of Jay's life, they felt a sense of lack, believing that dignity was something they lacked, rather than something they had lost touch with.
Reclaiming Dignity: Jay shares how the concept of "obscured" dignity resonated with their own experiences of seeking external validation. They began to recognize that dignity is not something to be earned or bestowed upon us; it's an intrinsic part of who we are, simply waiting to be rediscovered.
Dignity as a Guide to Personal Growth: Jay explores how recognizing and embracing their own dignity has become a guiding force in their life. They reflect on how this newfound awareness helps them approach the world with self-respect and integrity, and how it empowers them to see others as whole, valuable beings.
Takeaways:
Dignity is not just a societal or legal construct but a deeply personal, intrinsic part of who we are.
External validation and societal roles can obscure our sense of dignity, but by reclaiming our subjectivity, we can rediscover our worth.
Understanding dignity can transform how we view ourselves and our relationships, guiding us to make choices that reflect self-respect and compassion.
Next Episode Preview:In the next episode, Jay dives deeper into the relationship between dignity and toxic shame, exploring how past experiences of oppression and objectification have shaped their understanding of self-worth. This ongoing journey will reveal more about reclaiming one's dignity and living authentically.
Listen to the episode here: [Link to episode]Stay tuned for Part 2 on toxic shame and dignity's role in healing.
4o mini
As I continue to unravel these layers and reconnect with my inherent dignity, this exploration will unfold further in the second part of my journey.
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The Brave, Tender Ground: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Description: In this reflective and deeply personal episode, I explore the interplay between strength and vulnerability through the lens of recent events that shook my sense of safety. From revisiting old patterns tied to trauma to discovering the transformative power of a âsoft front and strong back,â this episode is an invitation to find harmony within. Together, weâll explore what it means to embrace courage and tenderness as complementary forces, fostering resilience and connection.
Key Themes:
- The reactivation of trauma in response to global events.
- Navigating fear through compassion and softness.
- The âbrave, tender groundâ as a space where strength and vulnerability meet.
- Embodying alignment: physical posture as emotional integrity.
- Personal practices for cultivating balance and resilience.
Highlights:
- A reflection on Rainer Maria Rilke's profound words: âPerhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.â
- My journey from rigid compliance to a harmonious balance of self-compassion and courage.
- Insights from Tara Brach and Roshi Joan Halifax on staying present with fear and discomfort.
Affirmations and journaling prompts to help you cultivate spaces where resilience and tenderness coexist.
Segments:
The Brave, Tender Ground
The physical and emotional practice of âsoft front, strong back.â
Intention: Vulnerability as Courage
Reframing vulnerability from weakness to strength.
Affirmation: I Am the Sublimity I Seek
"I embody the grace of a mountain: steadfast in its core, kissed by winds and light. My strength and tenderness create harmony, reflecting my infinite depth."
Reflection and Invitation
How balance shapes personal growth and creates room for connection.
Journaling Prompt:
What would it feel like to share one truth about myself that I usually keep hidden? How might this act of sharing change the way I see myself and connect with others?
Call to Action:
Reflect, Engage, and ShareIf this episode resonates with you, I encourage you to reflect on the questions posed, share your thoughts in the comments,
â€ïž Support my work and ensure it remains ad-free and accessible by subscribing to The Wild Lionesses Pride
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Breaking the Cycle of Oppression
My Journey from Powerlessness and Control to Reclaiming Boundaries and Self-Autonomy
Disclaimer: This piece discusses experiences of trauma and abuse, including emotional manipulation, psychological harm, and the lasting impacts of a controlling environment. Readers who have experienced similar situations may find some descriptions triggering or emotionally challenging. Take care as you read, and remember to honor your own boundaries. Itâs about the echoes of powerlessness still residing in meâthe parts hesitating to stand out or step into my full self. And yet, I also see how far Iâve come.
Episode Overview
In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on the lingering impact of the 2024 U.S. election and how it stirred echoes of my childhood experiences with powerlessness and control. Drawing parallels between political dominance and personal trauma, I share my journey from living under oppressive systems to reclaiming boundaries, autonomy, and my authentic self.
This episode explores themes of resilience, healing, and transformation, offering a candid look at the long road to breaking free from internalized patterns of survival.
Key Topics Covered
1. The Ripple of Powerlessness
- How Trumpâs re-election triggered buried emotions and memories.
- Recognizing the parallels between political and personal control.
2. The Corruption of the Self
- The retreat of my true self into exile at age 11.
- Adapting to survive in a home dominated by my motherâs narcissistic control.
3. Living Under Surveillance
- How a small-town environment amplified the feeling of being watched and controlled.
- Navigating blame, shame, and punishment as a family scapegoat.
4. Reclaiming My Authentic Self
- The process of unlearning survival mechanisms and rediscovering my true self.
- Charting the unexplored terrain of healing through resilience and self-trust.
5. The Body Holds the Story
- How trauma manifests in the body and the role of embodiment practices in healing.
- Exploring transformative techniques like Alexander Technique, Yoga Nidra, and grounding exercises.
6. The Power of Journaling
- Writing as a lifeline: how I wrote myself back into life.
- Conversations with past versions of myself to integrate and heal fragmented parts.
Takeaways
- Healing is not about perfection; itâs about presence.
- Pain and suffering can exist without defining you.
- True transformation begins when we hold space for discomfort with compassion and acceptance.
- Connection is a vital part of healingâshared stories can create ripples of insight and support.
Connect with Me
If this episode resonates with you, I encourage you to share it with someone who might need it. Healing is often easier when done in connection with others.
Thank you for listening.
Disclaimer
If you feel overwhelmed while reading, please take a moment to pause and care for yourself. You may wish to connect with a trusted friend, therapist, or support network to process any emotions that arise.
This text reflects personal experiences and insights from a healing journey. It is not a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you are currently experiencing abuse or struggling with its aftermath, know that you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out for help can be an important step toward healing.
Resources for assistance:
* International: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
* Germany: Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (08000 116 016)
* U.S.: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)
Support My Work: Subscribe and Contribute
If youâve enjoyed my reflections and want to support my work, you can subscribe to The Wild Lionesses Pride* here. Your subscription helps keep this ad-free, reader-supported publication going and ensures my content remains accessible to everyone.
If this reading resonates with you, great! And if not, no worries. Take whatever may be helpful and leave the rest.
If a monthly or annual subscription isnât feasible for you right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of this journey!
The Wild Lion*esses Pride is a reader-supported publication, free from ads or algorithms.
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"I Am Not Amused" - A Political MĂ€rchen
How Democracy's Story Keeps Repeating Itself, And Why the Castle Keepers Should Be Worried
In this episode, I explore the recurring patterns in democracy's story, framing it as a modern MĂ€rchenâa tale of castles, serfs, and the struggle for equality. Using this metaphor, I reflect on the cyclical nature of progress and backlash, and what it means for the future of democracy.
What I Cover in This Episode:
- The Castle on the Hill:
I introduce the metaphor of the castle, a symbol of entrenched power. For centuries, those at the top have resisted change, dismissing calls for equality with icy disdain: âI am not amused.â
- The Eternal Struggle for Rights:
I trace how every significant step toward equalityâfrom civil rights to workers' protectionsâhas been met with resistance, a reminder of how fragile progress can be.
- The Winds of Backlash:
I examine how the backlash to progress often unfolds subtly, like a creeping fog, and why democracy feels so precarious today.
- The âAbschaumâ Dares to Dream:
I reflect on how marginalized voicesâdismissed as âAbschaumââcontinue to push the story forward, challenging the oppressive order of the castle.
- A MĂ€rchen for the Modern World:
I explore how todayâs castle keepers wield new tools, from algorithms to propaganda, to maintain control, and the rise of modern authoritarianism as a global phenomenon.
- The Moral of the Story:
I ask the central question: Is the arc of history truly bending toward justice, or are we trapped in an endless cycle of progress and resistance?
- Rewriting the MĂ€rchen:
I end with a reflection on the power of storytelling, challenging myselfâand you, the listenerâto imagine a world where the walls of the castle come down, and the story takes a new direction.
Why This Episode Matters to Me:
This episode is my attempt to understand the patterns of history, to see how progress is made and unmade, and to ask what role I can play in shaping the future. MĂ€rchenland isnât just a metaphor; itâs a lens through which I make sense of the world I live in and the challenges democracy faces today.
If youâve ever felt like weâre stuck in a loopâwhere each step forward is met with two steps backâthis episode is for you. Itâs not just a critique of power but a reminder that the story isnât finished, and we each hold a pen.
đ§ Available Now on All Major Podcast Platforms
Read the Story on Substack
Iâd love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections with me by leaving a comment or using the hashtag #PoliticalMĂ€rchen.
Together, letâs keep rewriting the story.
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"Balance Is Not Harmony: Finding Confidence and Inner Steadiness"
Episode Summary:In this episode, I explore the intertwined concepts of balance and confidenceâtwo qualities that often feel just out of reach amidst lifeâs demands. Balance is not about making everything smooth or equal, nor is it about sacrificing yourself to maintain harmony for others. Instead, itâs about staying true to your inner rhythm and aligning with what sustains you.
Confidence, on the other hand, comes from trusting your ability to navigate uncertainty with clarity and strengthânot from external validation or perfection. Together, these practices invite us to prioritize our well-being without apology, even when the world expects otherwise.
Key Themes Discussed:
The difference between balance and harmony: why balance isnât about keeping everyone happy.
How the pressures of responsibilities, expectations, and relationships can pull us away from ourselves.
The courage it takes to honor self-care and authenticity in the face of societal and personal expectations.
Practical reflections on where your energy flows: what drains you and what nourishes you.
A reframing of confidence as a process of trusting yourself, one step and one choice at a time.
Takeaways for Listeners:
Balance is not about sacrifice or silencing your needs but about realigning with your truth.
Confidence is built through small acts of courageâengaging with lifeâs challenges rather than avoiding them.
Authenticity and self-care are not luxuries; they are essential to living a balanced life.
Intention for Today: Balance
Affirmation for Today: I am the confidence I seek
Journaling Prompts from the Episode:
What areas of your life feel out of balance right now, and what small adjustments can you make to restore a sense of stability?
Hint: Reflect on a moment when you felt proud of your actions or decisions, regardless of the outcome. What did that teach you about your inner strength?What moments in my life reveal the seeds of confidence within me, and how can I nurture them today?
Hint: Reflect on a time when you felt proud of your actions or decisions, regardless of the outcome. What did that experience teach you about your inner strength? How can you bring that awareness into your current challenges?
Letâs Connect:If this episode sparked reflections or questions, Iâd love to hear your thoughts. Share your insights or leave a reviewâyour voice matters!
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Willkommen zu Wild Lionesses Pride!
In dieser Episode geht es um die Kunst der Selbst-Definition und wie du deine eigene Geschichte zurĂŒckeroberst.Kennst du das GefĂŒhl, von fremden Erwartungen getragen zu werden? Vorstellungen darĂŒber, wer du sein könntest oder was Heilung fĂŒr dich bedeutet?
Ich lade dich ein, ĂŒber die Dinge nachzudenken, die du in deinem Leben loslassen kannst, um Platz fĂŒr Neues zu schaffen. Lass uns gemeinsam anschauen, wie du durch Freisetzung und das Setzen von klaren Grenzen deine eigene Wahrheit entdecken kannst â ohne Ă€uĂeren Druck, ohne Vergleiche.
Ich teile mit dir, warum Freisetzung nicht bedeutet, aufzugeben, sondern sich bewusst von allem zu befreien, was dich nicht mehr unterstĂŒtzt. Es geht darum, fĂŒr dich zu definieren, was Erfolg und Heilung bedeuten â und diesen Weg in deinem eigenen Tempo zu gehen.
In dieser Episode erfÀhrst du:
Wie du dich von belastenden Erwartungen befreist und Platz fĂŒr Klarheit und innere Ausrichtung schaffst.
Warum Freisetzung der SchlĂŒssel zu mehr Freiheit und einem authentischen Leben ist.
Die Praxis der vossagga und wie du deine eigenen Begriffe von Erfolg und Heilung definierst.
Ich lade dich ein, diese Reise der Selbst-Definition mit mir zu gehen und neue Perspektiven zu entdecken.
#Hashtags: #Selbstdefinition #Freiheit #GrenzenSetzen #Freisetzung #HealingJourney #AuthentizitÀt #Persönlichkeitsentwicklung #Selbstliebe #Achtsamkeit #Wachstum #InnererFrieden #Affirmationen
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"The Art of Self-Definition"
Welcome to Wild Lionesses Pride!
In this episode, I share The Art of Self-Definitionâa personal exploration of breaking free from rigid expectations and stepping into clarity, alignment, and freedom. Itâs about honoring boundaries, redefining outcomes, and reclaiming your truth.
What Iâll cover:
- The Weight of Expectations:
How often have you felt tied to beliefs or standards that donât feel like your own? I reflect on the energy spent holding onto things that no longer alignâwhether inherited ideas, relationships, or even the way you speak to yourself after a stumble.
- The Power of Release:
For me, release isnât about failure or giving upâitâs about freedom. Itâs the conscious act of stepping back to make space for self-respect, clarity, and choices that align with your truth.
- Redefining Outcomes:
Success, healing, and connection donât have to conform to definitions handed down by others. I share how Iâve learned to define these outcomes in ways that reflect my values, experiences, and unique journey.
Intention: Release
Release, for me, is about freeing myself from thoughts, emotions, or habits that weigh me down. Itâs a conscious choice to unburden myself, making room for renewal and clarity. Inspired by Buddhist teachings, I explore how release fosters non-attachment and insight.
Affirmation: I Can Define What I Mean
I claim the freedom to define my own truth. Success, healing, and connection are deeply personal, shaped by the wisdom of my experiences. By releasing expectations rooted in societal norms, I create space for authenticity and self-trust.
Closing Thoughts:
What would it feel like to step away from the idea that your life needs to fit someone elseâs mold? Imagine giving yourself permission to define freedom, connection, or success on your own termsâand achieving them in your way.
If permission feels out of reach, take this one from me: thereâs no perfect moment to startâonly this one, here and now.
Thank you for listening,
Jay Siegmann
Call to Action:
If my reflections resonate with you, I invite you to share this episode with someone who might benefit from reclaiming their narrative. Subscribe for more insights and affirmations that honor your unique journey.
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Episodenguide: "Die Ungeschriebene Zukunft"
Podcast: Wild Lionesses PrideHost: Jay SiegmannFolge: Die Ungeschriebene Zukunft: Wie Unsere Entscheidungen Heute Die Rechte von Morgen GestaltenDauer: ~ 7 Minuten
Zusammenfassung:
In dieser tiefgehenden und reflektierenden Folge lĂ€dt Jay Siegmann die Hörer*innen ein, ĂŒber die Herausforderungen unserer Zeit nachzudenken.
Es ist eine ErzĂ€hlung darĂŒber, wie BĂŒrgerrechts-Bewegungen auf der ganzen Welt, die
* fĂŒr die Rechte schwarzer und farbiger Menschen
* fĂŒr die Rechte der Queeren und Trans-Community,
* fĂŒr das Klima,
* fĂŒr soziale Gerechtigkeit,
* fĂŒr Frauenrechte,
* fĂŒr Menschenrechte,
* und die MenschenwĂŒrde
viele Stimmen, vereint in einem Traum.
Sie haben sich jahrzehntelang fĂŒr eine gerechtere und gleichberechtigtere Welt eingesetzt haben. Jay erzĂ€hlt, wie diese Vision eines solidarischen und vielfĂ€ltigen Miteinanders plötzlich durch die MachtĂŒbernahme rechter Politiker weltweit bedroht wird.
Themen und Schwerpunkte:
* Die Vision einer gerechten Welt: Jay beschreibt die kollektive Kraft, die von Aktivist*innen auf der ganzen Welt aufgebaut wurde, um eine Zukunft zu schaffen, in der Vielfalt, Gleichberechtigung und Zugehörigkeit gelebte RealitÀt sind.
* Die RĂŒckkehr der alten Machtstrukturen: Mit dem Aufstieg rechter Politiker und einer Allianz aus autoritĂ€ren FĂŒhrern sieht Jay eine RĂŒckkehr patriarchaler und hierarchischer Strukturen, die die bisher erkĂ€mpften Fortschritte bedrohen.
* Globale Verschiebungen: Jay beleuchtet, wie die rechtsextremen Bewegungen weltweit - von Trump in den USA ĂŒber OrbĂĄn in Ungarn bis hin zu Merz in Deutschland - eine Ideologie der UnterdrĂŒckung und Hierarchie fördern und dadurch die Demokratie und Menschenrechte untergraben.
* Ein Aufruf zum Widerstand: Jay stellt die entscheidende Frage, ob wir diese Entwicklung zulassen oder fĂŒr die Errungenschaften vergangener Generationen kĂ€mpfen. Die Folge endet mit einem eindringlichen Appell, fĂŒr Gerechtigkeit und Gleichheit einzutreten und gemeinsam fĂŒr eine gerechtere Zukunft zu kĂ€mpfen.
Takeaway:
Diese Folge ist ein Weckruf: Die Welt steht an einem Scheideweg, und die Zukunft ist offen. Jay erinnert die Hörer*innen daran, dass der Kampf fĂŒr eine gerechte und solidarische Gesellschaft eine aktive Entscheidung verlangt â eine Entscheidung, die wir heute treffen mĂŒssen, um die Freiheiten und Rechte der kommenden Generationen zu schĂŒtzen.
Ziel:
Jay motiviert die Zuhörer*innen dazu, sich der Macht und Verantwortung bewusst zu werden, die sie in dieser Zeit haben. Es geht darum, den Widerstand zu wĂ€hlen, sich fĂŒr eine faire und diverse Gesellschaft einzusetzen und die gegenwĂ€rtigen Herausforderungen als Chance zu begreifen, unsere Werte aktiv zu verteidigen.
Teile diese Folge und verbreite die Botschaft, um andere zum Mitmachen zu inspirieren.
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Episode Notes: Wild Lionesses Pride â "A Tale of Now"
Host: Jay Siegmann
Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of Wild Lionesses Pride, Jay Siegmann presents a story of resilience, resistance, and an urgent call to action.
Key Themes:
* The Rise of Collective Movements: Jay recounts how people across the globe have worked tirelessly for decades to build a world rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion. This movement has united feminists, LGBTQIA+ advocates, Black Lives Matter activists, climate defenders, and countless voices for justice.
* A Twisting Tale of Power: Despite the progress achieved, a disturbing reversal is underway. Right-wing politicians worldwide have seized power, dismantling these hard-won freedoms piece by piece. Patriarchal and authoritarian coalitions have formed, reinforcing old power structures with a surge of wealth and influence.
* A Global Shift to Suppression: This isnât just a local or national issueâJay highlights how this movement toward inequality, control, and repression is happening on a global scale, with coalitions of neo-fascist, neo-Nazi, and white supremacist forces pushing back against a century of justice and progress.
* An Urgent Question for Our Time: With rights and freedoms at stake, Jay asks the listeners an essential question: How will this story end? Will we allow the rollback of rights or stand united to preserve the progress made by generations before us?
* The Final Chapter is Unwritten: Jay reminds us that the power to shape the outcome lies in our hands. The choices we make now can protect and carry forward the freedoms that previous generations fought so hard to achieve.
Call to Action:Jay urges listeners to join the fight to protect democracy and justice, to resist these growing forces of oppression, and to share this message to inspire action.
Takeaway:The episode serves as a rallying cry to listeners: the story isnât over, but we each play a part in how it ends. Together, we can protect whatâs been built and push back against those who would take it away.
Thank You for Listening:Thank you for joining Wild Lionesses Pride. If this story resonates with you, share it widely.
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Podcast Episode Title: Embracing the Wilderness Within: The Art of Allowing
Episode Overview: In todayâs episode, we delve into the practice of âAllowingâ â an empowering approach to self-acceptance, growth, and inner peace. This conversation explores the transformative power of welcoming each thought, emotion, and experience just as it is, without judgment or control. Tune in to learn practical ways to cultivate acceptance, align with your natural rhythms, and nurture authentic change.
Key Takeaways:
The Essence of Allowing: Understanding how to hold space for all aspects of your experience â thoughts, emotions, sensations â without rushing to control, judge, or alter them.
Alignment with Inner Cycles: Embrace both light and shadow, recognizing that each part of your journey has its place and purpose.
Tools for Transformation: Practical strategies like storytelling with presence, embracing imperfections, and engaging in body awareness to deepen your journey of allowing.
Affirmation Insight: âI Am the Wilderness and Change I Seekâ â how this affirmation serves as a compass to embody personal growth and transformation from within.
Inspirations & Practices:
Storytelling with Compassion: Revisit memories without judgment to foster acceptance for past experiences.
Mindful Embrace of Imperfections: How releasing the need for perfection can open pathways to growth and resilience.
Body Scanning with Acceptance: Engaging in body awareness practices that foster a sense of calm and self-acceptance.
Journaling Prompts for Reflection:
Reflective Prompt: What am I holding back from allowing fully into my experience, and how might it feel to welcome it without trying to change it?
Pattern Identification Prompt: How do I respond to lifeâs cycles of growth, decay, and renewal, and what does this reveal about my relationship with change?
Buddhist Insights: Exploring Upekkha (equanimity) and Kshanti (patience) as foundational concepts that enhance our understanding of âAllowingâ and receptiveness to lifeâs impermanence.
Quotes to Reflect On:
âYou are the universe experiencing itself through your unique lens.â âThe change you seek is not separate from who you are; itâs already within you.â
Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to subscribe to our podcast and consider joining us as a paid subscriber. Youâll gain access to exclusive insights, in-depth discussions, and more tools to support your journey of personal growth and self-acceptance.
Hashtags: #SelfDiscovery #Allowing #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #InnerTransformation #PodcastNotes #EmbraceChange
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