Shame, Pain & Experiencing Homelessness with Tamara Kowalska

Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard. Click Here if you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with coaching or therapy clients. To learn about the application process, please check out the Professional Training Program.  If the plight of the homeless has ever engaged your heart, tune in to this deep, nuanced, honest conversation honed in service to people experiencing homelessness and addiction, people whose inner pain and shame is so great that lying on the street, unclothed, in the winter, is preferable to any other options they may have.  Tamara connects the dots between shame, vulnerability, and the need for compassionate support in the context of homelessness and addiction. She also explains: - how vulnerability can alleviate shame, for both support workers and those experiencing homelessness - why blaming ourselves for our circumstances, can prevent us from seeking help - why the help that is offered often does not facilitate true healing - the paradox of availability vs. accessibility to essential material needs: food, clothing and shelter.  - how honest interactions and collective support can foster safety and connection - the underlying emotions that contribute to homelessness, addiction and mental health issues - how the power of storytelling can alleviate shame and foster understanding - the importance of collective support in addressing issues of homelessness Tamara also opens up about Compassionate Inquiry’s role  in her personal healing and professional endeavors. She also speaks about her passion for spoken word poetry and her new book, Coffee and Crystal: Addiction and Healing in Verse, a three part volume that showcases her poetry, along with stories of those she’s encountered, and her own healing journey. About Tamara Kowalska:  A certified Compassionate Inquiry® practitioner, private mentor, and Raja yoga instructor, Tamara is the past director and co-founder of the Windsor Youth Centre, a drop-in centre for homeless youth. Previously, she taught ESL, English and drama in North America, Asia and Europe. Today, she applies the Somawise practice to all of her coaching, which supports her philosophy: “Feeling connected to the world, our families, friends, community, our work and ourselves is the key to healing.  When we feel connected we feel safe.  And with that safety comes possibilities we never before imagined”  One of Tamara’s passions is spoken word poetry. After creating and releasing a 9 video series called No Cash or Alcohol on the Premises, in 2024 she published a book of poetry, stories and reflection called Coffee and Crystal: Addiction and Healing in Verse Episode Related Resources: Websites: Professional WebsiteCI Practitioner Profile Relevant Links: Somawise Healing LabThe Windsor Youth CentreSpoken Word Poetry Books: Coffee and Crystal: Addiction and Healing in Verse Somawise In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts Media Coverage: Daily NewsWindsor StarThe AVB Podcast  Our WindsorCBC Instagram: @tamarakowalska Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamara.kowalska.18