Emotional Agility · The Importance of Emotions
why understanding and accepting feelings is key to wellbeing
Emotional Agility · The Importance of Emotions
Embrace your feelings, enhance your life
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|Emotional Agility by Susan David is one of my favourite resources. As counterintuitive as it might seem, we’re reminded that as human beings, of course we have emotions. Our true potential lies in how we navigate our emotions as they are evoked in the twists and turns of life. Learning to cultivate emotional agility emerges with the development of self-acceptance, clear sightedness (wise discernment), open heart and mind.
Our very design incorporates the experience of emotions. They're not a fault; they're a fundamental part of us. It is essential for emotional wellbeing to notice what you're feeling, to understand those feelings, and to accept them for what they are. Emotions are more than just reactions, understanding emotions helps us make sense of the world, and by accepting emotions we can live healthier, more fulfilling lives. But so often we do the opposite. We try to squash them down, avoid them, or pretend they’re not there.
The importance of understanding our emotions
Many people view emotions as 'good' or 'bad', but this isn't a helpful framework. Emotions are neither inherently good nor bad – they're simply signals. For instance, anger might signal injustice, sadness might signal loss, and joy might signal fulfillment. Understanding emotions starts by recognising what you are feeling at each moment (mindfulness). Accepting emotions as signals or cues to our wellbeing, can help us make more informed, values led decisions and nurture healthy relationships.
"Embrace your feelings, enhance your life"
Often, we are taught to suppress difficult emotions, because they cause discomfort, however ignoring them can be a detriment to our emotional wellbeing. We might think we're being strong by ignoring a sadness, but in reality, it often leads to further emotional distress, not growth. By accepting emotions we can grow into more emotionally intelligent individuals.
The role of emotions in our lives
Emotions are not our enemy. They are our guides and vital sources of information about ourselves, and the world we live in. When we allow ourselves to feel them, we are more able to make better decisions, to grow and be more fulfilled or happy, it’s a real gift that has been innately given to us. By allowing ourselves to feel all our emotions, we are able to fully understand our experiences, this is a crucial step to understand healthy emotions.
When we shut down emotions, it can be difficult to make proper connections with others. By avoiding vulnerability, we risk missing out on deep and meaningful relationships. By accepting emotions, we can be seen as authentic, encouraging others to be authentic too.
Accepting emotions is key to emotional wellbeing
Accepting emotions is not about condoning highly escalated, reactivity, stonewalling or other behaviours. It’s about acknowledging the feelings as real. It’s about noticing them, feeling them, and letting them pass without judgment. We can acknowledge our anger without lashing out (primary anger), we can acknowledge our sadness without being overwhelmed, by understanding emotions, they no longer control us.
This is a conscious practice, and sometimes it might be difficult. It's important to be patient and kind to yourself. Recognise when you are avoiding emotions, by understanding emotions, you can work to address what is causing you to do so. By allowing yourself to experience your emotions, it will lead to increased emotional well being, allowing you to grow.
How do you embrace the importance of emotions?
Start by paying attention to your body. Where do you feel the emotions physically? Notice the sensations without trying to change or judge them. Try to understand the message that your emotions are sending you. Are you feeling anxious? Is it due to stress or something else? What can you do to address the underlying reason for the emotion?
Practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a dear friend. Remember that it’s ok to feel your feelings. By understanding and accepting your emotions, you are on a path to healing and growth.
Conclusion
By understanding the importance of emotions and taking steps to embrace them, we open ourselves to more authentic, fulfilling lives. When we start to view emotions as valuable insights and acknowledge that feeling them all, including the difficult ones, can lead to emotional wellbeing and to healthier relationships. Remember to be kind to yourself during this journey, and always strive for a life where you understand and accept your feelings.
Ready to deepen your understanding of emotions and enhance your wellbeing?
Start by taking a moment each day to notice how you're feeling (mindful awareness) – Where do you feel it in your body? What thoughts are accompanying the feeling? Journaling or mindfulness can be powerful tools for exploring your emotional landscape. Recognising that all your emotions are valid (but not necessarily helpful when they're reactive) is the first step to transforming your experience. By understanding your emotions and the impact they have, you can start to create a path to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Book an appointment with Jo Gniel today and start your journey towards a more fulfilling life.
In a safe, supportive environment, Jo will help you navigate your emotional world. Through personalised strategies, you can learn to understand your emotions, respond to them with greater self-compassion, and develop effective coping mechanisms for everyday challenges. It is a safe and supportive environment where you can find real insight and growth. Take that first step and book an appointment today.
Learn more about the importance of emotional awareness
Want to deepen your understanding of emotions and how they impact your wellbeing? We've curated a list of resources that you can explore right away. These materials offer further insight and practical guidance to support you on your journey to greater emotional health.
The gift and power of emotional courage by Susan David
In her insightful TED Talk, Susan David explores how to embrace difficult emotions and how they can guide us to live a richer life. This talk is a must see for anyone wishing to understand their feelings on a deeper level.
Key Topics: Emotional courage, difficult emotions, emotional growth. Posted on: TEDx
Self-Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself by Kristin Neff
Kristin Neff provides a wonderful overview on what self-compassion means and how it can dramatically improve your relationship with yourself, and in turn help you to understand your feelings. This is an excellent guide to learning how to speak to yourself in a more positive and encouraging way. Her TEDx explores the space between self-esteem and self-compassion.
Key Topics: Self-compassion, self-kindness, emotional regulation. Posted on: TEDx
The mindful path to self-compassion by Dr Christopher Germer
Dr Christopher Germer provides a wonderful resource that explains how mindfulness practices can enhance and develop your journey to self compassion. This is a great resource to learn how to become more aware of your feelings and how you can better understand and deal with them.
Key Topics: Mindfulness, self-compassion, emotional awareness. Posted on: Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion
The power of vulnerability by Brené Brown
Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability and shame, explores how embracing vulnerability is essential for connection and growth. Her TED Talk can help you to reframe your relationship with difficult emotions and see them as integral to a wholehearted life. This will be of immense value for people wishing to be more open with their feelings, and with others.
Key Topics: Vulnerability, connection, shame, authenticity, emotional resilience. Posted on: TEDx
Running on empty: Overcoming your childhood emotional neglect by Jonice Webb
Dr. Jonice Webb's book "Running on Empty" explores the topic of childhood emotional neglect and its effects on people in adulthood. It provides valuable information about how childhood experiences can affect the ability to understand emotions and create strong, healthy bonds with others, and what can be done to address these issues.
Key Topics: Childhood neglect, emotional health, emotional connection, childhood experience, past trauma.
Resource library
To help you navigate the landscape of life we've carefully curated a resource library and invite you to explore some of the leading voices in the field of relationships and wellbeing. Each resource provides the opportunity to deepen your understanding, nurture self-awareness, and connect more fully with yourself and others. Should you choose to wander through these resources, please know that some links are affiliate-based. If you make a purchase, we may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to support our work while you nourish your own growth.