I recently read about Dr. Susan David, the African psychologist, author, and speaker, and the concept of emotional agility thanks to an article in the Carers Mentor newsletter.
She offers three concepts I want to understand better and experiment with: emotional agility, emotional needs, and walking your why.
I would give myself a F in the emotional acceptance department. Most of the time I can and do use the correct label. And that's as far as it gets for now. I think so much of it is not having a sense of control over so many things as we age. My husband loves to say "we are the master's of our own destinies..." hmmm, I call bullshit on this one.
Hi Patti, I think not having a sense of control is a key factor. I chose to give up driving a couple of years ago - and even though it was my decision, I feel the loss of control and get frustrated.
I can only imagine and am planning for it now. I hope I'll be in a walkable city where I won't need a car at all. I empathize with the frustration you have, it does not get easier.
What a great post…and if only we could remember ALL of this when we are, in the grips of highly charged emotions. She has a Ted talk which might expand more on her findings.
When you can give an emotion a name, you have a better chance of dealing with it. Without a name it is amorphous and hangs there. If we can see it in our mind's eye or hear it, taste, touch, or smell it, we can decide what to do with it. Sometimes, we may need to sit with it for awhile before we decide.
I recently read about Dr. Susan David, the African psychologist, author, and speaker, and the concept of emotional agility thanks to an article in the Carers Mentor newsletter.
She offers three concepts I want to understand better and experiment with: emotional agility, emotional needs, and walking your why.
Excellent information - thank you!
I would give myself a F in the emotional acceptance department. Most of the time I can and do use the correct label. And that's as far as it gets for now. I think so much of it is not having a sense of control over so many things as we age. My husband loves to say "we are the master's of our own destinies..." hmmm, I call bullshit on this one.
Hi Patti, I think not having a sense of control is a key factor. I chose to give up driving a couple of years ago - and even though it was my decision, I feel the loss of control and get frustrated.
I can only imagine and am planning for it now. I hope I'll be in a walkable city where I won't need a car at all. I empathize with the frustration you have, it does not get easier.
What a great post…and if only we could remember ALL of this when we are, in the grips of highly charged emotions. She has a Ted talk which might expand more on her findings.
Hi Denyse, Yes, she does and they are very good.
When you can give an emotion a name, you have a better chance of dealing with it. Without a name it is amorphous and hangs there. If we can see it in our mind's eye or hear it, taste, touch, or smell it, we can decide what to do with it. Sometimes, we may need to sit with it for awhile before we decide.
Hi Gary, I totally agree.