“The essence of the land and water is that they give life. To destroy these things for money is a betrayal of our responsibility to future generations.” Winona LaDuke
Winona LaDuke - An Indigenous environmentalist and activist, LaDuke has spoken extensively on the emotional and spiritual devastation caused by the extractive industries. Her wisdom can offer valuable insights.
Winona’s decision to speak truth to the current power and how extractive practices cause harm to everyone living on Mother Earth is valued.
Here’s one simple decision- invite someone to read and listen to this post by you deciding to invite them.
Extractive Thinking: A Path to Healing and Action
I created this 9-part podcast series to shed light on the deeper, often overlooked aspects of extractive thinking—a mindset that’s shaped many of the systemic issues we face today.
Extractive thinking operates on the principle of taking from people, environments, and cultures without regard for their well-being or sustainability. Whether it's in business, leadership, or personal relationships, this way of thinking has not only caused harm to the planet but also to our individual mental health, communities, and collective consciousness.
This series isn't just about raising awareness; it's about showing listeners how they can take action to undo the conditioning that keeps extractive thinking alive.
Each episode is designed to be short, digestible, and practical. It helps you understand how to identify and unlearn extractive habits and ways of thinking that may be unconsciously affecting how you live, work, and lead.
By focusing on healing and deconditioning, this series encourages you to:
Recognize how extractive thinking shows up in your own life and work.
Understand the emotional, psychological, and environmental toll it takes.
Learn tools for creating sustainable, regenerative patterns of behavior and decision-making.
Take actionable steps toward restoring balance in both your personal life and broader ecosystems.
Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, emotional intelligence, and modern leadership principles, this series offers a roadmap to move beyond extractive practices and toward a more harmonious way of living and leading. It’s about more than knowledge—it's about cultivating a mindset of reciprocity and respect for ourselves, each other, and the Earth.
This is 1 or 9
Here is a quick simple outline to share with you future episode topics.
Emotional Intelligence and Healing in the Face of Extraction
Spiritual Connections and Indigenous Wisdom
Cultivating Empathy and Compassion in Leadership
Uncovering Unconscious Bias and Internalized Extractive Thinking
The Role of Emotional Self-Care in Sustainability Activism
Fostering Empathy through Storytelling and Personal Narratives
Healing Trauma Caused by Extractive Systems
Intergenerational Healing and Breaking the Cycle of Extraction
Spiritual Activism and Transformative Justice
Starting with the first episode
Exploring Extraction Series is a Journey for Reclaiming Harmony Through an Indigenous Lens
(Reminder all first episodes in a a Veerbal Vortex series are FREE, the subsequent episodes are for paid listeners)
In this powerful podcast episode, we explore the profound emotional toll that extractive systems impose on individuals and communities. From environmental destruction to human rights violations, the consequences of these industries run deep, stirring complex emotions and affecting our collective well-being. But how do we heal from these traumas and build the resilience needed for sustainable change?
Tune in as we dive into:
The raw emotions—grief, anger, and hopelessness—that arise from environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the exploitation of people and resources.
How emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in processing these experiences and cultivating empathy for those affected.
Spiritual and mindfulness practices that can guide us toward emotional healing, helping us navigate the challenges of living in an extractive world.
Practical, actionable steps you and your community can take to foster emotional well-being and advocate for lasting change.
By listening, you'll gain deeper insights into the emotional dimensions of extractive systems and discover meaningful ways to foster resilience, all while contributing to a more connected and sustainable future. Join us on this journey of healing and transformation.
Founder Members
AND those of you who are Founder Members, you receive a 30-minute advisory session where you receive individualized guidance you can take action on today.
This one perk can change your trajectory and bring you immediate results.
A 30-minute advisory session with you offers high-impact, personalized value, giving subscribers the chance to dive deep into their specific challenges. Here's the key value they can expect:
Tailored Guidance: The session provides a unique opportunity for focused, 1-on-1 attention on your most pressing communication or leadership concerns. You’ll receive custom advice that fits your situation, whether it's navigating a tough decision, improving your team dynamics, or enhancing your leadership presence.
Clarity & Direction: In just 30 minutes, I can help them cut through confusion and identify clear next steps. Whether you’re seeking to make more confident decisions or improve your influence, the session offers immediate clarity and practical solutions.
Action-Oriented Support: The call isn’t just theoretical—it’s designed to give you specific, actionable strategies you can implement right away. My direct input will help you see tangible progress and immediate improvements.
Focused Feedback: You’ll receive real-time feedback on your leadership style, communication techniques, or decision-making process, giving you the tools to adjust your approach in meaningful ways.
Empathetic Leadership: My (30+ year) background in empathetic leadership ensures you’ll be heard, understood, and guided with a thoughtful, supportive approach, making the session both impactful and empowering.
Exclusive Access: These sessions offer intimate access to my expertise—insightful, yet affordable—perfect for those of you looking to elevate your growth without the commitment of long-term coaching.
Ultimately, this session is a chance for YOU to unlock rapid, personalized breakthroughs and walk away with actionable strategies tailored just for YOU.
(Did you see it is only $150.00 for the whole year membership)
Which one of you will capture this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to relationships and leadership?
Become a paid subscriber to Verbal Vortexes, as we continue to redefine what it means to lead authentically and wholeheartedly.
Here are simple ways to integrate your listening into your current day:
Listen during your daily commute to make the most of your travel time.
Play an episode during your morning or evening routine as you get ready for the day or wind down at night.
Tune in during your lunch break or while running errands to squeeze in some valuable learning while on the go.
Use your workout sessions as an opportunity to absorb valuable insights and inspiration from Verbal Vortexes.
(My favorite way to integrate audio (podcasts or audiobooks) into my day is when I wash dishes. Yes, I live in an old apartment with no dishwasher.)
By integrating Verbal Vortexes into your existing routine, you can effortlessly gain valuable knowledge and personal growth without sacrificing your precious time.
Thank you for deciding to become a paid subscriber today.
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