This Q & A explores issues arising from 'Mastering Difficult Conversations Part 2 (Managing Self). Topics discussed included:stepping outside one's reaction and pausing and seeing how this breaks habitual patterns in self and others; how, in dealing with personality-disordered people it is less about changing them, and more about protecting self and others around them; when we are not getting win-wins the importance of equanimity and how to get our ego out of the way and not be upset by the other person's non-willingness to change.

When we find ourselves in a difficult conversation, or when we are anticipating one, before we can manage other people skilfully the first task is usually to manage our own emotions and reactions. The best approach is to be proactive. Such ‘Approach Coping’ enables us to manage our own thoughts, behaviours and emotions and to take care of our own needs. It then allows us to better manage the needs of the other person and the conversation generally. This second Managing Difficult Conversations podcast provides strategies for self-awareness and for in-the-moment self-management.

This was a thoughtful and illuminating Podcast in which we discussed Music, Creativity and Mental Health. Themes in this conversation included: Jon's latest album "Therapy Notes" and explore the therapeutic role of music in processing emotions and life experiences; how music can help transform difficult experiences into something bearable and beautiful; the relationship between creativity, mental states, and environmental conditions; how meditation helps Jon access creative mind states; creativity as an integrating process that allows individuals to trust their own process more; the concept of love and its spiritual dimension, especially as it involves surrender; how the music industry rewards narcissistic behavior and has become a social media popularity contest, while offering little financial security; how Jon credits a more structured lifestyle focused on regular exercise, healthy eating, and balance, for his career longevity while managing multiple creative pursuits including music, acting, and visual art. It was a wonderfully diverse conversation and I hope you love it too.