The Language Alchemy Podcast

7. The impact of using labels in your communication

Labels are one of the most disconnecting language devices in our communication. It’s important to watch out for them if you want to build true connection in your interactions.
Today, I want to raise your awareness of the presence of labels in your own life.
Some labels are vocalized, while others are felt even if no words are spoken. Either way, they could be dangerous.
Even labels that sound positive could be disconnecting, not just the negative ones.
We need to remove both the labels we have learned to give others and the ones we use for ourselves.
Takeaways from this episode:
Labels that are internalized can have a lifelong impact on us.
I share an exercise to begin to see where you use labels.
Notice how labels increase or decrease your sense of connection.
--- LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Episode 6:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2147576478
To ask your communication questions, click here:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To join the mailing list, visit:
www.languagealchemy.com
For more resources about communication, go to:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideo
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDI
http://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.html
Podcast Produced by:
The Podcast Space, LLC

6. Why communication is the foundation of everything you want in life

You may have heard or even said that “communication is everything,” but what does that really mean?
In this episode, I share with you the science that supports that communication is the foundation of everything you want in your life, including surviving.
Let’s start at the beginning and consider infants and children to get a clear picture of why our ability to form connections was literally a matter of life or death. You’ll hear a real story that may surprise you.
Even as adults, for success in our relationships in all parts of life, communication and connection is vital.
I have a simple exercise for you to try that will solidify your understanding of this idea on a personal level.
We’ll be exploring more specifics about this over the next couple of weeks, so be sure to listen!
Takeaways from this episode:
Why communication is the foundation of everything.
The reason humans need each other to survive.
How to feel that thriving is a possibility for you.
--- LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
To ask your communication questions, click here:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To join the mailing list, visit:
www.languagealchemy.com
For more resources about communication, go to:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideo
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDI
http://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.html
Podcast Produced by:
The Podcast Space, LLC

5. Ways to cultivate connection with children and stressed out parents

“The little beings in our lives are learning how to communicate from us adults. It’s very important that we learn how to use our language with the little ones around us.“
In this episode, I’ve invited Caroline Griswold to have this discussion with us today.
This conversation will be useful for you, whether you are a parent yourself or not.
Caroline is a respectful parenting coach who works with parents using approaches that are rooted in deep respect for children as well as for parents.
As a former elementary school teacher, I learned that being mindful in communication with children is essential to foster connection. I share three communication strategies I used with my students.
Caroline has her own three recommendations for building connection respectfully.
She also suggests how to prepare children to go out into the world for school and social events.
Finally, we explore how to communicate with parents who have been experiencing a lot of stress during the past year and a half.
Takeaways from this episode:
Alejandra’s three mindful ways to connect with children
Caroline’s strategies to foster safety and connection with children in a respectful way
How to prepare children as they head back out into the world.
How to support parents who need to offload the stress of this year.
--- LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Sign up for Caroline’s Newsletter Parenting Pause through the link below:
www.fertilegroundparenting.com/parentingpause
Download Caroline’s Essential Respectful Discipline Toolbox:
https://www.fertilegroundparenting.com/respectful-discipline-toolbox
To ask your communication questions, click here:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To join the mailing list, visit:
www.languagealchemy.com
For more resources about communication, go to:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideo
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDI
http://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.html
Podcast Produced by:
The Podcast Space, LLC

4. Vaccine Conversations: Finding the language of connection

Have you gotten into an argument with someone because of your decision or doubt about what to do regarding the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, you are not alone.
You might find yourself giving or receiving judgement, criticism, and disconnection with those who make different choices from your own.
How can we approach these conversations instead with conscious choice and build connection?
It starts, as conscious communication usually does, with finding your intention.
Without having intention as the guiding light for what we say, we’re often drawn into habitual communication.
In this episode, I share how to have conversations about the vaccine when you have the intention to connect, to understand, and to persuade.
Remember, language is very powerful; it can bring people together or apart.
Let’s use our language to connect and to communicate from the generosity of the heart, especially when talking with others about the vaccine.
Takeaways from this episode:
So many people are discussing the vaccine and furthering divisiveness.
There are 3 main intentions when approaching these conversations: the intention to persuade, the intention to find out information, and the intention to belong and create trust.
Exploring your intentions will help you use conscious communication and avoid habitual communication.
Listen to what the other person is telling you and find empathy for their thoughts. Respond from the generosity of the heart and “let love rule” as Lenny Kravitz says.
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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Let Love Rule, by Lenny Kravitz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbiqy2TOwBw
Episode 2: Want to communicate with intentionality? Use the 3 stages of alchemy:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2147557118
To ask your communication questions, click here:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To join the mailing list, visit:
www.languagealchemy.com
For more resources about communication, go to:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideo
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDI
http://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.html
Podcast Produced by:
The Podcast Space, LLC

3. Q&As: When to speak and how to achieve authentic communication

Have you ever wondered how to know when to speak up and when to be silent?
Or are you curious about how to make your communication more authentic?
You are not alone in having these questions and in today’s Q&A style episode, I will answer both through the Language Alchemy lens.
The first question for today is from Kandy - “How can we know when it is best to speak up or be silent in a conversation?”
I want you to consider using the teachings of the Buddha, who invites us to ask ourselves four questions before we speak.
Let’s break them down and see how to use them in our decision process.
Next, Dazza asked about how to have truly authentic communication.
Did you know that when we share exactly what is on our mind, it isn’t necessarily authentic? There are many stories, opinions, and beliefs we keep in our mind that are not our whole experience.
I want to share three steps to teach you to communicate authentically, so if you’re ready, listen to this 20-minute episode now!
Takeaways from this episode:
Each month, I will make a Q&A episode. Please submit your communication question in written or voice form here.
Knowing when it’s better to speak or be silent starts with understanding your intentions.
Once you know your intentions, you can apply the four questions from the Buddha’s teachings on skillful or wise speech: Is what I’m about to say useful? Is it truthful? Is it timely? Is it kind?
Authenticity is a popular concept, but it doesn’t necessarily mean sharing everything that is on your mind.
Use these three steps to express yourself fully. First, notice your deeper experience. Then, connect to the relational values you want to fulfill in the relationship. Finally, consider how what you’re about to say may impact the other person.
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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
5 Steps to Redirect Your Reactivity:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/5steps
To ask your communication questions, click here:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To join the mailing list, visit:
www.languagealchemy.com
For more resources about communication, go to:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideo
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDI
http://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.html
Podcast Produced by:
The Podcast Space, LLC

2. Want to communicate with intentionality? Use the 3 stages of alchemy

Do you have unnecessary stress or tension in your relationships? Then this episode is for you!
In this episode, I talk about the link between tension and stress in your life and relationships and the language you speak. 
You’ll hear about the benefits of paying attention to language and the perils of taking your language for granted.
Just like when you pay attention to your breath after learning pranayama or breathing techniques in mindfulness and meditation practices, you can pay attention to your language when you learn the 3 stages of alchemy.
To make the 3 stages of alchemy clear for you, I give you an example. A friend invites you to do something you don’t feel comfortable doing, but you end up saying ‘yes’. What happens from the moment you say that habitual ‘yes’ until the moment of the event?
And what if instead of giving a habitual response, you knew how to use the 3 stages of alchemy to give an intentional response?
Ready to learn how? Listen to the 15-minute episode and find out!
Takeaways from this episode: 
Most of us take language for granted and use habitual language rather than conscious language
Habitual language can bring unnecessary stress and tension into your relationships, while intentional language can bring calmness, clarity and authenticity
Alchemy has three stages: awareness, exploration and integration
The more aware you are of your language, the more you can decrease tension and stress in your life and your relationships
You can learn how to alchemize your language and transform it into communication gold
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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE
More about Steven Picker:
https://stevenpinker.com/
To join the mailing list to receive your free guide to redirect your reactivity, visit:
www.languagealchemy.com
For more resources about communication, go to:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideo
To ask your communication questions, click here:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDI
http://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.html
Podcast Produced by:
The Podcast Space, LLC

1. Welcome to the Language Alchemy Podcast

Alejandra Siroka wants you to experience the transformative power of language in your life. Tracing her fascination with language through her life since she was a little girl, She's seen the harming as well as the healing power of words. She's studied several languages, became a translator, interpreter, and language teacher. But, it was her marriage, a relationship she wanted to have for life, that acted as a catalyst for her quest to transform her language. Integrating tools from both ancient wisdom traditions and social and neurosciences, Alejandra developed the Language Alchemy process. Listen as Alejandra shares true stories of people just like you, who by transforming their communication, transformed their lives. You’ll understand why she's so excited to share this process with you. It's a process that brings awareness and connection as a result of communicating with clarity, confidence, and compassion.Takeaways from this episode: It is possible for you to transform your life and relationships when you transform your language
In fact, when you transform your language and communication, it’s not just your own life that is transformed. You also become a model for the rest of our human family. 
There is a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering on this planet and your capacity as a mature adult who can foster more connection is so needed right now.
To join the mailing list to receive your free guide to redirect your reactivity, please visit:www.languagealchemy.comFor more resources about communication, please visit:https://www.languagealchemy.com/blogandvideoTo ask your communication questions, please email:hello@languagealchemy.comMusic composed by Gary Lapow:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqDIhttp://www.garylapow.com/about_gary_lapow.htmlSpecial thanks to:Samantha, Ana, Matthew, Thais, Caroline, and Tara. Podcast Produced by:The Podcast Space, LLC