Why So Many People Feel Like They Don't Belong — A Deep Conversation

Why So Many People Feel Like They Don't Belong — A Deep Conversation

What does it mean to truly belong? In this heartfelt conversation, Helen Bass, Gina, and Nilifer explore identity, faith, cultural experiences, immigration, race, belonging, self-worth, and the journey of becoming comfortable in your own skin. From growing up in multicultural environments to navigating life as Asian women in America, this discussion uncovers how family, community, spirituality, and personal growth shape who we are. If you've ever questioned whether you fit in, struggled with self-doubt, or searched for a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation offers powerful insights on healing, authenticity, connection, and finding your place in the world. ______ If you are an Asian woman navigating anxiety, identity, family pressure, relationships, faith, or the quiet exhaustion of always holding it together — you do not have to process it alone. At Sincere Practice, I offer therapy and coaching for women who are ready to become more honest, grounded, and connected in their lives. Therapy [https://www.sincerepractice.com/therapy] is for deeper emotional healing, mental health support, anxiety, grief, relationships, cultural identity, and the patterns that keep showing up in your life. Coaching [https://www.sincerepractice.com/coaching] is for women who are ready to grow with intention, build healthier inner narratives, strengthen their relationships, and move toward a life that feels more aligned, spacious, and true. If you are ready to stop performing your way into belonging and start becoming more fully yourself, I would love to connect with you. Begin here: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ [https://www.sincerepractice.com/] Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6Pas6TC4a-Y?si=ZCqtrFDHYic57zyb [https://youtu.be/6Pas6TC4a-Y?si=ZCqtrFDHYic57zyb] Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe [https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

I took 30 days off social media as a business owner + therapist — here's what happened

In this video, I share my business mindset after a 30-day sabbatical from social media and podcasting. Discover how taking a break can lead to clarity and growth in your entrepreneurial journey. Links: Therapist Accountability Group: https://www.sincerepractice.info/therapist-coaching-group [https://www.sincerepractice.info/therapist-coaching-group](Founding members get exclusive $177/month forever) Effortless Business Book: https://www.grahamcochrane.com/effortlessbook [https://www.grahamcochrane.com/effortlessbook] Go Giver Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591848288?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1779399155&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591848288?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1779399155&sr=8-1] Big Leap Book: https://a.co/d/0giRff9t [https://a.co/d/0giRff9t] Shay Cochrane Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCeXvSN7IJZeBWSZDzPTmGog [https://www.youtube.com/@UCeXvSN7IJZeBWSZDzPTmGog] Key takeaways: * Embracing change as progress is essential for growth. * The importance of giving and generosity in business. * Slowing down to gain insights and creativity. * Applying the 80-20 principle to focus on impactful actions. * Faith as a cornerstone of business decisions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 My existential crisis and the need for a break 01:00 Lessons learned during my sabbatical 02:23 Key takeaways from my reading 03:51 Embracing change as progress 09:08 The importance of giving in business 12:05 Slowing down for creativity 14:18 The 80-20 principle in action 21:32 Faith in business decisions Subscribe for more insights on entrepreneurship and mental health. Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe [https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Hearing God Through Criticism & Waiting with Jay Kim | Jay Kim & Helen Bass

hey girlies! In this video, I talk to Author and Pastor, Jay Kim. Recently, I've been transformed by his writings to incorporate faith into daily practice. With over 2 decades of preaching, we acknowledge the power of examining painful experiences. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Reflection and Criticism 07:20 The Listening Life: Spiritual Practices and Challenges 13:12 Lessons in Waiting and Feeling Behind 19:05 Daily Rituals: Prayer and Presence 24:08 Parenting: Learning Patience and Presence 25:09 Fatherhood and Personal Growth 27:20 Navigating Family Dynamics and Trauma 30:59 The Journey of Forgiveness and Understanding 40:12 The Writing Process and Its Inspirations 44:34 Living at the Pace of Peace Resources Listen, Listen, Speak by Jay Kim - https://a.co/d/04tsI1ss [https://a.co/d/04tsI1ss] Analog Christian by Jay Kim - https://a.co/d/0fUjBWxE [https://a.co/d/0fUjBWxE] Analog Church by Jay Kim - https://a.co/d/0hoUwnsk [https://a.co/d/0hoUwnsk] Ignatian Spirituality and Prayer of Examine - https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/prayer/prayer-styles/the-examen/ [https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/prayer/prayer-styles/the-examen/] Jay Kim's Website - https://jaykim.com [https://jaykim.com] Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe [https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Part 2: when grief won't leave your body, what to do| Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kiem, Helen Bass

hey girlies! This episode is part 2 of "why women of color carry stress differently". We talk about "how to get better" after discussing nervous system healing from part 1 = nervous system + healing + community vibes 💭 Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kim, and Helen Bass break down Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Theory) in real life—especially for women of color. They talk morning routines, ancestral roots, and how grief/loss hits your body, not just your mind.Big themes: * healing isn’t solo—it’s community + family * grief stays, but you can still stay connected * therapy isn’t just “fixing problems,” it’s understanding your storyThey also get into:* generational trauma + ancestral wisdom * why healing takes time (no quick fixes fr) * trust, safety, and nervous system awareness in therapy * co-regulation = healing through real human connectionBasically: slow healing, deep roots, and learning your nervous system is key 🔑Links/Books Mentioned: Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/ [https://www.stephenporges.com/] Deb Dana Website: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about] Dr. Niloufer Merchant: https://www.nmmerchant.com/ [https://www.nmmerchant.com/] Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/ [https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/] Helen Bass Website: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ [https://www.sincerepractice.com/] Meaning of Your Life Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427 [https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Morning Reflections 03:03 Polyvagal Theory in Daily Life 06:01 Honoring Our Ancestors 08:45 The Importance of Family and Ancestral Connections 11:53 Understanding Loss and Its Impact on the Nervous System 14:58 Navigating Grief and Connection 18:09 The Role of Community in Healing 29:52 Navigating Loss and Connection 36:04 The Role of Nervous System in Therapy 49:16 Problem Solving in Therapy 54:14 Healing from Family Trauma 57:28 Understanding the Nervous System and Individual Profiles 58:20 The Slow Process of Healing and Understanding Trauma 01:00:13 Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact 01:02:11 The Importance of Relationship in Therapy 01:04:52 Navigating Client Relationships and Trust 01:06:12 The Role of Patience in Therapy 01:09:36 Co-Regulation and Therapist's Own Nervous System Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe [https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Why Women of Color Carry Stress Differently, According to Therapists

🤍 Hey girlies! This episode explains how body-based healing (like polyvagal theory) can be used in therapy that respects culture and identity. Guests Gina Kiem and Dr. Neela Fur talk about feeling safe in different spaces, code switching, and simple practices that help women of color feel more grounded, connected, and supported. Resources from Dr. Niloufer Merchant - Here are the links to both articles by Elana Curtis and colleagues: 2025 article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063315/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063315/] 2019 article https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3 [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3] Follow Dr. Niloufer: https://www.nmmerchant.com/ [https://www.nmmerchant.com/] Follow Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/ [https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/] Follow Helen on All Socials/Website - https://bio.site/helenbass [https://bio.site/helenbass] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Competence 04:34 Personal Experiences with Polyvagal Theory 09:51 Cultural Contexts and Personal Backgrounds 15:15 Navigating Cultural Practices and Co-Regulation 20:39 The Impact of Code Switching and Allostatic Load 34:26 Navigating Subtle Cues and Allostatic Load 37:45 Cultural Specificity in Therapeutic Practices 43:46 Cultural Safety and Power Dynamics 50:36 Embodied Practices and Nervous System Awareness 59:24 The Intersection of Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Context Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe [https://sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]