Storied Feelings: When a Feeling Carries a Story

What is the difference between a feeling and a judgment? Explore the concept of storied feelings and learn how words like disrespected, betrayed, and ignored can serve as gateways to emotional awareness, empathy, and unmet needs.

Beyond the Horn: What Road Rage Reveals About the Terrain of the Body

Road rage is rarely just about the other driver. Discover how stress, dysregulation, and the stories we tell ourselves can turn a minor frustration into a major reaction, and learn five simple practices for bringing more calm to your daily commute.

Elon Musk’s “Suicidal Empathy”: A Flawed Critique or a Necessary Warning?

Is empathy a strength or a weakness? Examining Elon Musk's controversial claim that empathy is "suicidal," this article explores the difference between emotional, cognitive, and compassionate empathy, and argues that the real challenge is not empathy itself, but learning to apply it with wisdom and discernment.

Navigating the Ocean of Emotions: Understanding Alexithymia and Emotional Literacy

Why do some people struggle to identify and express their emotions? Explore the concept of alexithymia, the neuroscience of emotional awareness, and practical ways to strengthen emotional literacy, deepen self-understanding, and build more connected relationships.

When Empathy is Rejected: Staying Open Without Losing Yourself

What happens when your invitation to empathy is met with silence, defensiveness, or dismissal? This article explores how to stay open to connection while honoring your own needs, setting healthy boundaries, and caring for yourself when empathy is not returned.

Empathy Circles: A Path to Understanding in Times of Political Division

What if the goal of a difficult conversation wasn't to persuade, defend, or win, but simply to understand? Discover how Empathy Circles create a structured space for deep listening, meaningful dialogue, and human connection across even the most challenging divides.

Harnessing Emotional Energy to Transform Conflict In Mediation

Conflict is fueled by emotion, yet emotions are often treated as obstacles to resolution rather than sources of insight. Discover how skilled mediators can work with emotional energy, uncover underlying needs, and transform conflict into an opportunity for understanding, healing, and lasting agreement.

From Reaction to Response: Choosing Conscious Conflict Resolution

Why do some conflicts escalate while others lead to understanding and growth? This article explores the crucial difference between reacting and responding, and how greater emotional awareness can help us move beyond blame, work with our triggers, and choose more conscious ways of engaging with conflict.

Resonant vs. Discordant Leadership: Navigating the Balance Between Connection and Accountability

How do leaders hold people accountable without becoming controlling, and build trust without avoiding difficult conversations? This article explores the balance between resonant leadership and accountability, offering practical insights for creating teams that are both high-performing and deeply connected.

74. Mastering Emotions in Midlife: Breaking Free from Emotional Eating, Voicing Needs and Setting Boundaries with John Ford

What role do emotions play in conflict, communication, and connection? In this conversation with Kim Hynes on the Emotional Eats Podcast, I share my journey from apartheid-era South Africa to workplace mediation, and explore how emotional literacy, empathy, and conflict resolution can help us build healthier relationships and communities.