When researcher Brene Brown published her book Atlas of the Heart earlier this year, it included something vitally important : a list of eight emotions every human experiences, and within these, associated behaviours and miscues. All up, she gave us a language for 87 emotions and experiences! And before you think, “How do we even feel that much?” Take a pause. Because we feel A LOT of things, even if we don’t realise it.
The truth is lots of people, including adults, struggle to identify how they feel. We are more than just happy and sad, and often our body and hearts know it before we understand the experience. That why we spend so much time using characters and stories to help kid’s regulate their emotions.
Next time you, or someone you love, if feeling a lot of things, take a look at Brene’s list. Emotions don’t have to be overwhelming and recognising the nuance and complexity of what you are feeling won’t break you. Just start with one word or experience at a time and follow the path to identify how you feel in this moment. By identifying how we feel, we can better communicate what we need and empathise with other people. So, how do you feel today?
Do you struggle to express your feelings? Does talking about your emotions make you uncomfortable? Here’s what you need to do: Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245 for a FREE 10 minute consultation on how we can best help you or book online
