Unlocking Authentic Connections: The Paradox of Self-Protection

Learn how self-protection blocks our ability to form authentic connections. And how when we free ourselves of believing in our mind’s fears, we can drop the walls around us, manifest deep and genuine connections, and thrive.


Deeper Authentic Connections

In this dialogue with international teacher of self-compassion, Helle Laursen, Bodhi dives deeply into the concept of self-protection and its unintended effects on our ability to form authentic connections.

They discuss how self-protection is often our mind's way of mitigating “perceived” threats – the fear of not being loved, accepted, or valued. While these fears are real to us, this video illuminates how self-protection can be draining, exhausting, and counterproductive to the very goal it seeks to achieve.

Bodhi shares how the desperate pursuit of love and acceptance from others can lead to a pretense that blocks genuine relationships. Moreover, it’s revealed how this dependency on others for love and validation can lead us to feel like frauds, creating a vicious cycle of self-doubt and defensiveness.

On a positive note, they discuss the potential of letting go of these defenses, embracing our inherent love, and authenticity, which allows for genuine connections to thrive.

This thought-provoking discussion challenges you to rethink self-protection and opens new avenues towards embracing your authentic self.

Check out Helle Laursen's wonderful work at Nordic Compassion:
https://nordic-compassion.com/


Would you like to be more present, feel more alive and connected, with a greater sense of inner peace?

It's my mission to support people in living and leading with greater ease, wisdom, and inner peace. To feel more deeply connected with those around them.

If you'd like to tap into your deeper insight and practical wisdom to live and lead more consciously, feel free to reach out at bodhi@bodhijeffreys.com to set up a time to connect.

To see what others have to say about the work we do together, please check out the testimonials here. I look forward to connecting.


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Recent testimonials

  • Bodhi always leaves me feeling more empowered, more joyful, more truly accepting...

    Helle Laursen Leading Mentor Coach and CEO, Nordic Center for Mindful Self-Compassion Silkeborg, Denmark

    Working with Bodhi repeatedly over several years, I am constantly filled with deep gratitude after each session. Bodhi always leaves me feeling more empowered, more joyful, more truly accepting all parts of what I am, and with more energy to face life. Being a mentor coach myself, I have learned from Bodhi's amazing ability to give further depth to any issue within coaching. He is more than just a great coach, he is embodied wisdom, ready to share and give more meaning and depth to all matters I bring up. Bodhi takes coaching to a new level: it is healing, very practical, and supports my commitment to live my life from compassion and awareness.

  • The synergy of his organizational expertise with his insight, clarity and awareness has brought the university to a new level.

    Irv Katz, Ph.D., Chancellor International University of Professional Studies Maui, Hawaii

    Bodhi's extraordinary talent of bringing clarity to our vision, goals, and processes has been of great benefit to the university. We’re more focused, more productive, and are in a much better position to serve our student population. The synergy of his organizational expertise with his insight, clarity and awareness has brought the university to a new level.

  • I have become a better leader, a better boss, a better husband and a better father.

    Christopher McAuliffe, Master Certified Coach President & CEO, Accomplishment Coaching Coach Training Company San Diego, California

    Bodhi’s support goes beyond my stated projects and goals. Since working with him I have become a better leader, a better boss, a better husband and a better father. Bodhi is what coaching is all about. It seems like magic sometimes how he is able to hone in and focus on the exact thing that brings me more power, or more clarity, or returns my calm and centered focus. If you want to become a better version of yourself or to fulfill on what you think you can create – I recommend working with Bodhi.

  • Bodhi's insight into guiding me to truth is rare and unique.

    Sofia Manning Best-Selling Author, Founder of Manning Inspire Copenhagen, Denmark

    I have met a lot of coaches and being a coach myself I have very high standards for what I think a great coach is. Bodhi is more than a great coach, he is a healer and teacher as well as a brilliant coach. Bodhi's insight into guiding me to truth is rare and unique. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with him and highly recommend his coaching to anyone who is committed to truth and living a life from freedom.

  • Bodhi also has the greatest sense of humor and we laugh a lot during sessions!

    Dorthe Schorn Staff & Training Manager Hamburg, Germany

    Bodhi is an endless energy field of inspiration, purpose, clarity, truth, authenticity, compassion, joy, love and inner peace. The way he embodies and shares his profound wisdom of awakening is powerful and grounded, while gentle, light and constantly evolving. Bodhi is not only a teacher in the best possible sense of the word but a healer and “wise man” who can support you in tackling any personal or professional challenges.

    One of his greatest talents is meeting you exactly where you’re at, and then gently guiding you from there. Bodhi also has the greatest sense of humor and we laugh a lot during sessions! Working with him is a precious adventure and it has a tremendous impact on the way I show up and experience my working and private life.

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