Emotional Intelligence Podcast Episodes

Emotional Intelligence (Part 1 of 2) Emotions play a huge role in governing our behaviors and subsequent well-being. It is so important then, that we are able to perceive, understand and regulate them. In this podcast Brian Sutter and Amber Miller help us do just that.

Critical content contained in this episode:

Question: What is Emotional Intelligence?

Answer: The ability to identify, express and self-regulate one’s emotions in such a way that allows for prudent and empathetic interactions with others.

Question: What are two unhealthy extremes we can fall into regarding emotions?

Answer: We can fall into one of two ditches. An over approximation of emotions such that they are too influential or an under-approximation of emotions such that they are minimized are the two extremes.

Question: Is our culture more prone to one of these unhealthy extremes?

Answer: Yes, culture tends to place too great of emphasis on emotions. “You are what you feel” is the inaccurate mantra.

Question: Why is emotional regulation so important?

Answer: There is a strong interplay between our behavior and our emotions. Our feelings are impacted by our behavior and our behavior is impacted by our feelings. Thus, if we can regulate our feelings, we are most able to control our behavior.

Question: Does the Bible place importance on emotions?

Answer: Yes, the books of the Psalms and Lamentations are two good examples where we see emotions given center stage.

Question: What is empathy?

Answer: Empathy is being able to feel with people. This is a skill that can be grown and/or improved.

Question:  What part does community play in emotional intelligence?

Answer: Empathy is grown, practiced and finds its use in community. The better we are at emotional intelligence, the healthier our communities will be.

Question: What relationship should thinking have with our emotions?

Answer: Your prefrontal cortex is the “thinking” part of your brain. Your limbic system is the “feeling” part of your brain. They work together and when they do, wisdom results. Furthermore, good thinking will give rise to good feeling.

Question: What myths concerning emotions are out there?

Answer: “Strong people don’t have emotions” is one myth that is incorrect. Another myth is that “emotions will last forever” when in fact, they do not; sadness will be replaced with laughter in time.

Question: Are there body cues that indicate emotion?

Answer: Yes, our hormones, bodies and biological cycles influence our emotions. Often, our bodies respond and are triggered by emotion. A tight chest for anxiety or an increased heart rate for anger are examples of body cues that are influenced because of emotions.

Emotional Intelligence (Part 2 of 2) The previous episode focused on the “What is” of emotional intelligence. In this episode Brian Sutter and Amber Miller address the “how to.” Expect practical ways to regulate your emotions.

Critical content contained in this episode:

Question: What are some tools we can use to help regulate our emotions?

Answer: Learn to identify your emotions and determine their intensity.

Answer: Learn to slow down, take time to think and breathe deeply.

Answer: Use your five senses. Emotions can cause us to collapse inside ourselves. New stimulus can bring us back outside ourselves to new objectivity.

Answer: Use friends, family and your community to coach and expose your “blind spots.”

Answer: Ask yourself, what is true? Cognitive fusion is when we construct what is true based on how we feel.

Resources:

Feeling Words Based on Intensity

Emotional Intelligence Course
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the aptitude a person has for identifying their emotions, regulating them and wisely acting in accordance with their purpose. Individuals with high EQ are more likely to have satisfying relationships. Fortunately, emotional intelligence is not fixed. Rather it can be cultivated and grown. This course attempts to do just that. This EQ course is 10 lessons in length.

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