🎙️“From Triggered to Transformed: Healing Division Through Truth, Travel & Real Connection”

Link to Connect with me and to Listen to Sip Tea with Me (Podcast) Epi12 https://linktr.ee/lisaschoenthal

"Everything that seemingly happens externally is occurring in order to trigger something within us, to expand us and take us back to who we truly are." 

🎙️ Triggered? Let’s Talk!

Connection Beyond the Labels & Division

Hey love, it’s Lis…

This post might touch some tender spots. It might trigger you. It might even trigger me. But that’s exactly why I want to talk about it.

We’re living in a time where division feels louder than connection. People are taking sides, drawing hard lines, and forgetting that underneath it all, we’re just humans trying to find meaning, safety, truth, and belonging.

I’m not here to preach. I’m not here to pretend I have all the answers. I’m simply sharing what’s on my heart—and inviting you to share yours too. Because real growth happens in conversation, not confrontation.

I know I’m a white woman. I’ve heard the word “privileged” plenty of times—and if that’s a label that fits for you, I respect that. That’s the body I came into this life with. And honestly? I’ve felt like many different beings in other lifetimes—Japanese, Jewish, a Viking, a mermaid, a cat… and yes, a courtesan. Which might explain why I recognize so many men in this life. 😂

As one of my greatest teachers, Jean Houston, says—something like we are all evolutionary wonders, elaborate spirits traveling around in our inter-dimensional space suits.

And yet, here we are—sorting ourselves into boxes and labels that are supposed to define us… but often just divide us.

🌈 The Label Paradox

These days, it feels like labels are multiplying in every direction—gender, sexuality, beliefs, even food choices. But sometimes I wonder… are we creating unity, or just more dissension?

Every day there’s a new category, a new box, a new way to divide us up, when what we’re really craving is connection.

I get it—for some, labels feel empowering. For others, especially those of us who crave fluidity and freedom, they feel like cages.

I once had a conversation with my niece when she was in 7th grade. We were talking about gender, relationships—all the hot topics. She said, “Auntie, my generation doesn’t want to be judged. We want the freedom to be who we are and partner with whoever we want.”

And I said, “All generations want that. So… why all the labels?”

She paused, surprised by her own realization, and said, “I don’t know.”

That moment stuck with me. Because in that space, we both learned something.

I believe every human wants to express their uniqueness—and still belong.

💔 Division & Disconnection

This deep polarization we’re feeling? It’s a symptom of disconnection.

We’ve been through so much—Covid, lockdowns, fear-fueled media, and constant digital stimulation. We’ve forgotten how to just be with each other. We react instead of relate.

And let’s be honest—some of this is strategic. The manipulation is real. Politics, Big Pharma, toxic food, environmental control, economic pressure, and constant identity battles—it’s all designed to divide.

But what if the real power is in choosing each other?What if we return to conversations rooted in curiosity—so we can understand ourselves, each other, and the world we’re co-creating?

🗣️ When Conversations Hurt—and Heal

I want to share a story about a recent conversation with my dear friend Dr. Tanya.

She’s brilliant, compassionate, and thoughtful. But in that moment, she was angry, hurting, and frustrated. And I felt every bit of it.

It didn’t hurt because we disagreed. It hurt because I could feel the weight she was carrying—and I could sense she hadn’t considered a different perspective.

We all do this. We speak from our own experiences.

I didn’t think, “What planet are you on?”I thought, “How can I help her feel her power, instead of her pain? How can I stand in my truth and hold space for hers?”

Eventually, we found that common thread. Peace. Justice. Love.We actually wanted the same thing.

That’s what compassion can do. It creates connection—even in the middle of tension.

✈️ Travel, Truth & Curiosity

When things feel heavy, I come back to travel.

Because travel has been my greatest teacher.

I’ve celebrated life and death at a Balinese cremation ceremony… honored ancestors at Día de Los Muertos in Mexico… sang with nuns in Paris… marveled at Holi in India… and meditated with monks in Thailand.

I’ve shared meals, danced, and had tea with people whose beliefs were a total mystery to me—and yet, we connected on something human. Something soulful.

When I travel, I don’t just learn about the world—I learn about myself.My blind spots. My biases. My deeper truths.

“It’s hard to hate up close. And travel brings you face-to-face with what you’ve been taught to fear.”

And that’s why I host retreats.

Because I want to take you with me. To places that wake you up and reconnect you to what matters.To build real community, rooted in love, expansion, and connection.

🌴 Want to join me? Whether it's beachside in Mexico or deep in the jungle of Bali, join my mailing list or hit the link in my bio. I’ll send you all the juicy details.

🔍 The Truth Within

Here’s what I want to leave you with:

I don’t have all the answers.But I do believe in asking better questions.

Truth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a whisper at 3 a.m.A feeling during meditation. A flash of clarity in the middle of a walk.

The truth within you doesn’t shout—it knows.

And when we stop to listen… it becomes our compass. Not the programming. Not the noise. But your sacred, personal, powerful truth.

✏️ Journal Prompts

1. What am I believing that might be inherited or conditioned—not chosen?

2. What triggers me most right now—and why?

3. Is this reaction mine… or someone else’s?

4. What helps me return to clarity—breath, nature, stillness?

Sometimes we don’t need to let go of the belief… just the emotional charge.

🛠️ Tools I Use to Stay Grounded

• 🌳 Nature – go outside and touch a damn tree

• 💨 Breathwork – inhale peace, exhale programming

• 🧘 Meditation – silence speaks

• 💃 Movement – yoga, dance, walk it off

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community – step out of your echo chamber

• 💌 Ask for help – mentors, therapists, trusted guides

🌱 Final Words

You are not broken.You are not alone.You are powerful.

You have the ability to question, feel, pause, listen—and choose differently.

You’re not here to take sides.You’re here to bring light.

So thank you for being here with me in this real, tender space.

Let’s keep the conversation going. DM me, email me, or send a voice note—I want to hear what lands for you.

I’ll see you next week, beautiful soul, when we brew another pot of tea and dive into another meaning-filled conversation.

Until then—Much love from me, xox— Lis

Let's stay connected and keep this convo going! I'd love to hear what this brought up for you! https://linktr.ee/lisaschoenthal