Emotional Avoidance: The Hidden Crisis in Our Lives

Why do so many of us struggle to face our emotions directly? This article explores the hidden costs of emotional avoidance, how it shapes our relationships and conflicts, and why developing greater emotional awareness is essential for personal growth and genuine connection.

Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning podcast!

I recently joined Andrea Samadi on the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning podcast to explore the intersection of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. We discuss practical tools for navigating workplace conflict, building trust, strengthening communication, and developing the emotional skills needed for healthier relationships and more effective collaboration.

Reflections on Inside Out 2

In these reflections on Inside Out 2, renowned psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman explores the film's portrayal of anxiety, embarrassment, envy, and identity formation. Drawing on decades of emotion research, he examines what the movie gets right, where it departs from the science, and why emotional awareness matters during adolescence.

What Inside Out 2 Reveals About the Diversity of Emotions

What does Inside Out 2 reveal about the science of emotions, and what might it have left out? Drawing on emotion science, sociology, and the humanities, Demond Hill Jr. explores the film's portrayal of adolescence, anxiety, identity, and belonging while making a compelling case for the importance of love, grace, and empathy in emotional well-being.

Five Practices for a Healthier Emotional Life

What can Inside Out 2 teach us about living well with our emotions? Drawing on insights from leading emotion scientists including Dacher Keltner and Marc Brackett, this article explores five evidence-based practices—self-compassion, awe, gratitude, connection, and kindness—that can help us embrace the full spectrum of human emotions and cultivate greater well-being.

What are your Unfelts costing you?

What Are Your Unfelt Emotions Costing You? explores the relationship between emotional literacy, emotional intelligence, and leadership effectiveness. Drawing on the work of the Conscious Leadership Group, the article argues that emotions contain valuable information and that leaders who suppress or ignore their feelings may pay a price in resilience, decision-making, authenticity, trust, and overall effectiveness.

The State of the Heart Report

The 2024 State of the Heart Report from Six Seconds paints a sobering picture of global emotional wellbeing. Drawing on emotional intelligence assessments completed by tens of thousands of people worldwide, the report highlights declining emotional intelligence scores, increasing burnout, growing loneliness among younger generations, and the challenges facing individuals and organizations in a rapidly changing world.

Nonviolent Communication and Boundaries

One of the most persistent misconceptions about Nonviolent Communication is that it requires us to be endlessly accommodating. This article explores a different view: that healthy boundaries are acts of self-care, clarity, and connection. Drawing on NVC principles, it examines needs, requests, interruption, saying no, and the distinction between protective and punitive uses of force.

Halve Your Stress in Seconds: The Power of Naming Emotions!

Can simply naming what you're feeling reduce stress? Research suggests it can. In this short video, John Ford explores psychologist David Rock's observation that noticing and naming emotions can help calm the nervous system and reduce emotional intensity. Emotional literacy is not just about finding the right words. It is also a practical tool for regulation and wellbeing.