EMOTION IS INFORMATION, how can we decode it? We are so used to discount emotion as a “lesser” form of intelligence than thought, that we miss the opportunity to collect the precious information that our body records in greater amount than what can be rationally process. As Dr. A. Watkins puts it, we may appear calm and we may even believe that we are calm (since we are used to ignore emotions) but if deep inside we anger is firing, it is this mismanaged emotion that creates the most irreparable damages; we might burst at the most inappropriate moment and damage relationships: or worse we may be driving the superhighway disease.
In his book “Coherence”, Dr. Watkins explains emotions in this way: “Using a musical metaphor, our physiology is the individual stream of notes that are being played by the various systems of our body all the time. Emotion is just the integration of all those individual notes to form a tune and feelings are the cognitive awareness of the tune. Whether we are aware of that energy in motion (e-motion) or not doesn’t change what’s happening inside our body.” He further recommends to “put emotion back on the business agenda once and for all […] (emotion) is absolutely critical to business because it improves clarity of thought and ability to learn, improves the quality of decision making, improves relationships at work, facilitates effective management of change, increases leadership presence, improves health and well-being, increases enjoyment and quality of life, ignites meaning, significance and purpose, improves motivation and resilience and expands our sense of self.”
But how can we learn to decode this information?
Decoding our own emotions might be a very demanding and lengthy journey and the first condition for success is to choose a personalized journey; some prefer a more practical approach (e.g. listing emotions and gradually adding language via a coaching dialogue or personal concentration) others choose the road of mindfulness or meditation (to create a deeper connection between mind and body and transform emotions into conscious feelings that might not need language), others need to work in groups, others again need a combination of methods.
In any case, there are typically three stages in the process: first there is the conscious choice, prompted by a profound desire or curiosity; then there is the search for tools (typically guided by a coach or a trainer) and then there is the actual exploration (which is highly personal).
One of the combination methods that benefits from feedback and open dialogue within a trusted group uses a 360 assessment complete with an Emotional Intelligence and Mental Toughness Profile.
How can Grooa help?
PRISM Brain Mapping Emotional Decoding Start Pack, with a 360 Assessment including Mental Toughness and Emotional Intelligence Profile followed by individual or group exploration sessions
Personalized programs to explore and decode emotions, via remote coaching and mindfulness sessions.
Executive Coaching with focus on training recognition of emotion and feelings, for improved decision-making
Contact us for more information or a free consultation at info@grooa.dev-projects.tech