Mastering Emotional Control
Shift your perspective!
Perspective. The very word itself indicates a view, a direction, and observation. However, like all things emotional intelligence it’s not fixed- we can shift our perspective, which in turn allows us to live aligned to our values rather than in opposition to them. This gives us the ability to live better, across all elements of our lives. Best of all is it’s easier than you think to shift your perspective and reap the benefits.
It’s not about me…
It’s not about me… As a mantra, never is this more relevant than when you’re parenting teenagers. Our children in general and teenagers in particular have the ability to push buttons we’d forgotten we even had, but when we unhook our stories from theirs’ and when we bring consciousness to the fact that it’s not about us, the quality of our family conversations and dynamics rise exponentially.
The 101 on EI
We are emotional beings, and as such emotions play a part in pretty much everything we do. However, when our actions as a result of our emotions are causing havoc in our lives, it can be a major problem. People who have a low Emotional Intelligence (EI) are often more reactive than responsive and they tend to always have to be right, are oblivious to other people’s feelings, behave insensitively, blame others for their problems and have emotional outbursts. Not surprisingly, they struggle with relationships.
Support structures for change
Live with Zest
Reacting vs Responding
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again- emotions serve a purpose. They exist for a reason. However, the incredible miracle that is our brain which gives us our emotions, also gives us the ability to mindfully and deliberately respond to them. Respond is the key word here and is vastly different to reacting. Let me explain.
Understanding the role and power of emotions
Humans are inherently emotional beings. We have complex brain structures that chemically respond to the situations that arise. However, the responses are a perception that may not necessarily reflect the truth or accuracy of a situation. While the fight or flight response saved our ancestors’ lives when facing a sabre-toothed tiger, this response is rarely appropriate in the day to day of doing the school run, going to work and just basically living our lives. When it comes to living a life we love, the role of emotions- or more specifically, how we manage our emotions- is key.
