• Shouting as a Power Play
    May 15 2025

    Why do people shout? Is it just because they’re angry? Or is there something deeper going on?


    Welcome to I LISTEN SPACE. I’m Chiradeep, your host.


    Today, we’re going to talk about something we’ve all encountered, whether in our families, workplaces, or sometimes even in ourselves—shouting.


    Let’s pause for a moment and think of all the possible reasons behind someone raising their voice. Sometimes it’s raw anger. Sometimes it’s fear. There are people who shout when they panic or feel anxious. Some raise their voice because they feel no one is listening—they just want to be heard, to be seen. And then there are those who shout out of insecurity, not knowing how else to assert themselves. But there’s another layer, one that we often overlook—shouting as a power move. A tool to control, not to communicate.


    Let’s talk about that.


    There are people who raise their voice not because they’ve lost control—but because they want control. They use shouting as a way to shut others down. They believe that being louder makes them stronger, more in charge, more important. And this happens in very familiar places—at home, in a marriage, at the dinner table. It happens at work, in leadership, in friendships. One person raises their voice, not to express emotion, but to dominate the moment.


    But is that really strength?


    In reality, shouting to control others reveals something else. A fear of not being heard. A fear of losing ground. It’s as if they believe their words won’t carry weight unless they’re thrown loudly. And the sad part? It often works—temporarily. People go quiet. They back down. They don’t argue. But that silence is not agreement—it’s withdrawal. That nod is not respect—it’s exhaustion. Slowly, relationships wear down. People start keeping a distance. They become careful around you. They stop sharing honestly.


    And if you find yourself in that place—using volume to be heard—pause and ask yourself: What am I afraid of? Why do I feel the need to be louder to make a point? What am I trying to prove? What am I trying to protect?


    The truth is, shouting may work for a moment, but it damages in the long run. It chips away at trust. It silences connection. And what’s left is not respect—but fear. A fragile kind of fear that pretends to be authority.


    Real strength? It’s calm. It’s clear. It knows when to speak and when to listen. It doesn’t need to shout to be heard.


    Thank you for listening. If this conversation touched something in you, share it with someone who might need to hear it—softly, kindly. Because the loudest voice doesn’t always carry the deepest truth.


    Until next time, take care of your voice and those around you.

    This is I LISTEN SPACE. I’m Chiradeep. Keep listening.

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    4 mins
  • Present: The Only Time That’s Truly Ours
    May 8 2025

    Have you ever come across people who are constantly talking about their past—about the hurts, the losses, the betrayals?
    Or people who are endlessly anxious about their future?
    They ask, “What will happen to me if this person doesn’t live anymore?” or “I’ve gone through so much... it has ruined my entire life.”

    Whenever they get an opportunity to speak, they go back to their past or shoot forward into their future.
    And what do you observe in them?
    They are often restless, anxious, or disconnected.
    They seem to be living everywhere—except in the now.

    Welcome to I LISTEN SPACE. I’m Chiradeep, your host.
    And today’s episode is titled: “Living in the Present: The Only Time That’s Truly Ours.”

    Let’s reflect for a moment.
    The present is the only time we actually have in our control.
    We can neither rewrite the past nor predict the future.
    Still, so many of us spend our lives haunted by what has already happened or paralyzed by fear of what might happen.

    So what happens when we don’t live in the present?

    We carry a heavy emotional burden—regret, guilt, sorrow, anxiety—and we miss the simple joys and opportunities that the present moment holds.
    Relationships suffer. Peace escapes us.
    And our emotional wellbeing stays compromised.

    But here’s the good news:
    Being present is a skill. And like any skill, it can be cultivated.

    Let me offer you a few simple ways to anchor yourself in the present:

    • Practice mindful breathing: When you feel overwhelmed, just pause and take three slow, deep breaths. Focus only on the inhale and the exhale. This simple act brings your attention back to the here and now.

    • Notice your surroundings: Look around you and identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This grounding exercise reconnects you with the present moment.

    • Name your feelings without judgment: Instead of reacting quickly, pause and say to yourself, “I’m feeling anxious” or “I’m feeling frustrated.” Acknowledging your emotions without criticizing yourself helps you gain control over them.

    • Set a daily intention: Every morning, ask yourself, “What do I want to focus on today?” or “How do I want to show up for myself and others today?” This keeps your mind focused on one clear direction instead of spiraling into what-ifs.

    • Be where your feet are: Literally look at your feet and say, “I am here. This moment is enough.” It's a physical and mental reminder to stop drifting into the past or future and to return to now.

    The present isn’t always perfect. But it’s real.
    It’s all we’ve got.
    And it’s more than enough when we choose to live in it fully.

    Thank you for listening to I LISTEN SPACE.
    If today’s episode resonated with you, follow and share it with someone who might need this reminder.

    Until next time—breathe, feel, and be here.

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    4 mins
  • The Emotional Blind Spot
    May 1 2025

    Have you ever seen people in the family who keep overdoing things for others—taking up responsibilities, giving their time and energy, and then quietly or not-so-quietly complaining about not being appreciated?
    And then, in the same family, you’ll notice others—who, despite being on the receiving end of that help—don’t even care enough to acknowledge it. They move on as if it’s all expected of the other person.

    Why does this happen?

    Welcome to I LISTEN SPACE. I’m Chiradeep, your host, and today’s episode is called “The Emotional Blind Spot.”

    In today’s episode, we’ll explore how a lack of emotional intelligence can cloud not only our understanding of ourselves—but also of others.
    We fail to process where we stand emotionally. We act out of obligation, guilt, or habit—and then expect others to read our unsaid expectations.
    On the flip side, some of us stay so emotionally self-absorbed, we don’t pause to understand what someone else might be feeling, needing, or struggling with.

    So how do we change this?

    🔹 First, by becoming more aware of why we do what we do. Is it coming from love—or from a need to be needed?
    🔹 Second, by acknowledging that everyone has a different emotional lens—what you do might feel heavy to you but unnoticed to someone else.
    🔹 Third, by learning to express without expecting. Do because you want to—not because you want something back.
    🔹 And finally, by listening—not just to respond, but to truly understand.

    In relationships—especially within families—emotional awareness is the bridge between misunderstanding and connection.

    Take a pause and reflect. Are you really understanding the other person? Or are you just projecting your needs and missing theirs?

    Thanks for tuning in. Follow I LISTEN SPACE on Spotify for more conversations like this. Until next time, stay emotionally aware, and stay kind.

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    3 mins
  • Patience: A Quiet Power
    Apr 24 2025

    Have you ever thought about how much power lies in being patient?

    Welcome back to I LISTEN SPACE. I’m your host, Chiradeep, and today we’re diving into a quiet, yet incredibly powerful topic—Patience.

    Patience is one of those underrated virtues that has the capacity to dissolve some of the deadliest conflicts the world has ever seen. And more importantly—it protects the one who holds on to it tightly.

    But let’s be clear—patience isn’t weakness. It’s not passivity. It’s not resignation.
    Patience is strength. It’s a deeply emotional and liberating practice of waiting, watching, holding back, and knowing exactly when to act.

    Sounds noble, right? But here comes the reality check…

    Patience is often made conditional. We apply it selectively—depending on the person, time, or situation.

    Let me explain what I mean.

    We say patience is a virtue from God, and ideally, we should be able to display it freely, no strings attached. But in practice, our patience varies from person to person.

    Think about it: If someone we love deeply asks us to wait, we wait—with all the patience in the world. But if it’s someone we aren’t so emotionally attached to? We lose it faster than we think.
    We create layers and conditions around our patience.

    And it’s not just people—we do the same with time.

    Imagine you’re told the doctor will arrive in two hours. Now you have no choice but to wait, so you prepare your mind to be patient for two hours. But the moment that time ends and the doctor doesn’t show up—restlessness starts creeping in.

    Then you’re told it’ll be another two hours. You again prepare your mind for two more hours of waiting.
    So what changed? Not your schedule. Not your priorities. Just the expectation.
    Isn’t it funny how our patience behaves like a switch—ready to turn off the moment a self-created deadline passes?

    And yes, this shows up in different situations too.
    We might showcase absolute patience in a crisis but lose it completely over a small everyday inconvenience.
    Why? Because we choose where to activate patience… instead of living it as a value.

    So, how do we start making patience a steady habit, rather than a moment-based reaction?

    Here are a few small but effective tips:

    ✅ Look for small moments to practice patience—like waiting at a red light or listening to someone vent without interrupting.
    ✅ Accept what’s out of your control—it saves you mental energy.
    ✅ Remind yourself what matters most to you—what's the bigger picture?
    ✅ Recognize your stress triggers—most impatience stems from anxiety, not urgency.
    ✅ Build a go-to calming ritual, a discipline—deep breathing, journaling, a quick walk—anything that resets your nervous system when you feel impatience bubbling.

    Patience isn’t something you chase. It’s something you cultivate.
    And trust me, it’s one of those traits that silently builds your strength, your presence, and your peace.

    So… what’s one area of your life where you feel your patience is conditional? Think about it. You might just discover a new superpower hiding within you.

    That’s all for today’s episode of I LISTEN SPACE. Don’t forget to follow and share this podcast with someone who needs a gentle reminder to slow down.

    Till next time—take care, breathe deep, and stay patient.

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    5 mins
  • Are You Listening, or Just Speaking?
    Apr 17 2025

    Hello and welcome to I LISTEN SPACE. I’m your host, Chiradeep. Today’s topic might feel a little personal for some of you—and that’s okay.
    We’re going to talk about something that we often witness but rarely address: “Are You Listening, or Just Speaking?”

    There are people—maybe you know one, maybe you are one— who are always ready to open up. They share. They pour their heart out. And not just once or with one person—they do it often and with many, looking for that one thing: to feel heard.

    And I get it. We all want to be heard.
    We all want to be validated. We all want someone to say, “I hear you… and I care.”

    But here’s the catch—
    Some people keep talking, revisiting their pain, narrating their struggles again and again… yet they never pause to listen. They seek advice but don’t apply it. They ask for direction but won’t follow it. They say they want to heal, but do nothing that helps healing. They’re stuck—not because help isn’t available, but because they never sit still enough to receive it.

    Listening is not just about hearing words—it’s about accepting truths. And sometimes, those truths are hard to hear. If you always need to talk, but never listen… If you always seek support, but resist change… Then maybe, just maybe, what you really want isn’t healing—it’s attention.

    And let’s be honest— even the kindest, most compassionate listeners eventually feel drained if they’re never heard in return. Listening is a two-way street. Support isn’t a one-way lane.

    So here’s a gentle nudge: Next time you feel like pouring out your heart, pause and ask yourself: Am I open to receive what I’m asking for? Can I sit with a difficult truth? Can I try even one small step toward healing? Because healing begins the moment we stop just talking— and start truly listening… even to the uncomfortable parts.


    Thank you for tuning in to I LISTEN SPACE. If this resonated with you, maybe share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember—being heard is beautiful, but being willing to listen—that’s powerful.

    Until next time, take care of your heart, your mind, and your listening. God Bless you!!!

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    3 mins
  • Say NO, Respect a NO
    Apr 10 2025

    Have you ever wondered why some people struggle to say NO? And strangely enough, the same people also seem to struggle when others say NO to them.

    Welcome to I LISTEN SPACE. I’m Chiradeep, your host, and today’s episode is titled “Say NO, Respect a NO.”

    I’ve noticed this pattern quite often—those who find it hard to say no to others often can’t handle hearing no themselves.
    They try to please everyone around them. And when things don’t go their way in close circles, they get restless, irritated, even disappointed.

    Here’s the interesting part:
    They expect others to be available, to say yes to their requests, their ideas, their emotional needs.
    But when someone sets a boundary or says a polite no, it unsettles them.

    That’s why today’s conversation is important. Because setting boundaries is not just about learning to say no—
    It’s equally about learning to respect a no.

    Let’s get honest. If we struggle with boundaries, we end up drained. We overextend ourselves.
    And somewhere deep inside, we expect others to overextend for us too.

    Here’s the truth—
    ✔ A healthy relationship honors mutual space.
    ✔ Saying no is not rejection, it’s redirection.
    ✔ Respecting a no builds emotional maturity.

    So here’s something to reflect on:
    🔹 Do I say yes when I actually want to say no?
    🔹 Do I get upset when someone sets a boundary with me?
    🔹 Am I giving what I’m expecting?

    If we want to grow in our relationships—professionally, personally, or even spiritually—we need to embrace this truth:
    Say NO when needed. And respect a NO when received.

    Thanks for listening.
    If this struck a chord, follow I LISTEN SPACE on Spotify for more heartfelt conversations.
    Until next time, take care—and set your boundaries with love.

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    3 mins
  • Being Approachable: A Boon or a Bane
    Apr 3 2025

    Have you ever wondered why people open up to you so easily? Why you always end up being the listener, the comforter, the go-to person? Let’s explore this in today’s podcast.

    Welcome to I LISTEN SPACE! I’m Chiradeep, your host, and today’s topic is “Being Approachable: A Boon or a Bane?”

    Not everyone has the ability to make others feel comfortable. It’s a rare quality, one that builds trust and deep connections. Think about it—how hard is it to share your struggles with someone who seems distant or unapproachable? On the other hand, how relieving is it when you find someone who listens without judgment? It’s the kind of presence that makes doctors, counselors, and coaches truly effective.

    And what does it take to be that person? A little humility, a warm smile, a gentle attitude, and most importantly, the ability to listen patiently rather than jumping in with advice.

    But as much as this quality is a blessing, it can also feel like a burden at times.

    There are moments when being approachable comes at a cost. People overstep, invade your space, and take your availability for granted. Instead of feeling valued, you start feeling drained. And when that happens, the question arises—why? Is it because we failed to set boundaries? Or is it because people just assume we’re always available?

    That’s when we need to find the right balance. How do you stay open without feeling overwhelmed?

    For starters, setting boundaries is essential—and doing so without guilt. Being kind doesn’t mean being available 24/7. It’s also important to check in with yourself. Are you emotionally drained? Are you giving more than you have to offer? Not everyone deserves unlimited access to your time and energy, and recognizing who respects your space is key. And then there’s the power of a simple, polite "no." Saying no isn’t rude—it’s an act of self-respect.

    At the end of the day, being approachable should feel like a strength, not a burden. And trust me, it is possible to be warm, kind, and welcoming without feeling exhausted.

    If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow I LISTEN SPACE on Spotify for more! Till the next episode—take care and goodbye!

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    4 mins
  • Manipulation: Recognizing It & Protecting Yourself
    Mar 27 2025

    Manipulation—it’s something we all encounter. When it comes from strangers, it’s easy to walk away. But what if the manipulator is someone close—a friend, a family member? That’s when it gets complicated.Manipulation isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t always come with raised voices or demands. Sometimes, it wears a smile. Sometimes, it disguises itself as care. And that’s why we need to understand it.People manipulate in many ways:🔹 They flatter, showering you with fake praise.🔹 They show excessive care and love, but only when they want something.🔹 They shout, control, and dominate conversations.🔹 They justify their actions with excuses and endless reasoning.🔹 They play the victim, making you feel guilty for standing your ground.🔹 They use silent treatment, making you question your own actions.🔹 They offer gifts or money—not out of generosity, but as a way to make you owe them.So, how do you protect yourself?

    Here are six ways to handle manipulation, with real-life examples.Set firm and clear boundaries. Know where you stand.Example: Your cousin always borrows money but never returns it. This time, he asks again, promising to pay you back. Instead of giving in, you say, “I’ve decided not to lend money anymore, as it affects my relationships. I hope you understand.” Boundaries protect your peace.✔ Listen patiently, but don’t let their words control your emotions.Example: Your friend constantly complains about their problems, yet never takes advice. Instead of getting emotionally drained, you listen calmly and respond, “I hear you, and I hope things get better. What do you think is the next step for you?” This way, you acknowledge them without being pulled into their emotional storm.✔ Stand by your YES or NO—stay grounded, but stay polite.Example: A relative tries to convince you to attend a family event you’re not comfortable with. They say, “Come on, everyone will be there! Don’t be so rigid.” Instead of caving in, you smile and say, “I appreciate that, but I won’t be able to make it this time.” No explanations, no guilt. Just a firm but respectful NO.✔ Avoid when necessary—sometimes, flight mode is the best option, but use it wisely.Example: Your boss manipulates you into doing extra work by saying, “Only you can handle this. I trust you more than the others.” If this happens repeatedly, you politely start distancing yourself from such requests by responding, “I appreciate that, but my plate is already full.” Walking away from manipulation is sometimes the best strategy.✔ Communicate effectively, with love, but without letting yourself be swayed.Example: Your mother says, “I sacrificed so much for you, and you can’t even spend more time with me?” Instead of feeling guilty, you respond with love: “Mom, I love and respect you, and I cherish our time together. But I also need to balance other responsibilities. Let’s plan something that works for both of us.” Loving but firm communication breaks manipulation cycles.✔ Prioritize your self-care. And if needed, express how you feel—authentically and assertively.Example: A friend always calls you late at night, knowing you have an early schedule. One day, you decide to be honest: “Hey, I really value our conversations, but I need my rest. Can we talk earlier in the day?” Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.At the end of the day, you can’t stop people from manipulating. But you can stop allowing it. Recognizing manipulation is the first step. Responding with wisdom is the next. And when you do that—you take your power back.

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    6 mins