This week has been packed with many different zoom calls varying from getting to know new contacts at a deeper level to screening the potential suitability for future podcast guests, to establishing rapport with new purpose coaching clients to running coaching sessions with existing clients, to recording podcasts to attending volunteering committee briefings to checking in with my accountability business buddies.
What one thing did all of these calls have in common?
Well, probably lots of things but the specific answer I am looking for is that they all contained emotional connection.
Vital for building healthy relationships not only does emotional connection provide a sense of belonging it also enriches your life and enhances your wellbeing. Within these calls I identified emotions of humour, empathy, vulnerability, trust, respect, compassion and kindness.
After one of these calls during my self-reflective practice, I realised just how fundamental effective communication is to establishing emotional connection. When you are able to articulate the specific emotions you are feeling you can then identify exactly what it is you might need help with. This reflection reminded me of something Brené Brown said in her brilliant book Atlas of the Heart.
“To form meaningful connections with others, we must first connect with ourselves, but to do either, we must first establish a common understanding of the language of emotion and human experience.
Do you understand the language of emotion and human experience? How well can you articulate the emotions you are feeling?
Understanding the nuances of emotions is so empowering and in Brené’s book she focuses on 87 different emotions and experiences, saying that “Language shows us that naming an experience doesn’t give the experience more power, it gives us the power of understanding and meaning.”
For me, building a wider vocabulary for emotions has greatly increased my own self-awareness, my ability to connect better with others at an emotional level and has helped me to become a better coach, friend, partner and parent. I now also understand how all emotions are there to serve you as they each have a critical role to play. When you understand your emotions better and can spot the subtle differences between them you can see them as vital clues and cues to pay attention to what is really going on. Do check out Brené’s book*. It’s a brilliant read.
What would life look like for you being able to identify, name and articulate exactly the specific emotions you experience in the moment?
Focus on Emotions! Focus on WHY!
Amy
ACTION POINT - Do you understand the language of emotion and human experience?
Book Recommendation*
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown - https://amzn.eu/d/eVLjN80
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.