Authentic Living (Sensitivity) Part 2

Circle 2 - Sensitivity (Feel)These are the Emotions that reinforce our identity. This is How we feel.

What would emotions from the outside-in look like vs. emotions from inside-out look like? 

• Outside-in: Feeling Angry about our behavior and then thinking we shouldn’t do that. Trying to attack the behavior with will-power. It gave us some structure as far as social expectation. 
• Inside-out: when we feel something, acknowledge and recognize how we are feeling and not the sum of our emotions. Looking to see what information we can learn more about ourselves because we know there is something to learn from our emotions.

How to process feelings proactively:

Don’t Judge our emotions Good or Bad. Just like we don’t judge our physical pain. If I touch a stove and it hurts do I get mad at my hand for feeling pain?? 

Use emotions as data not direction. Bad days give us good data.

Express emotions proactively using the acronym NEED:

Name what you feel. Recognize and write what you are feeling. 

Explain the reason you feel this way through allowing and accepting feelings.  (What caused the feelings to begin with?)

Be thorough in examining what has caused the current emotions. When these two steps are accomplished, you are more than halfway there because you are now aware and can do something about your feelings.

Examine an attitude or action you can change relating to what you feel. 

Once you know the feeling and what caused it, there can be a conscious decision to alter a mood, change a motive or make a move to revise the condition that caused the feeling in the first place. Such a revision can be effective because now we can choose to see circumstances in a different light.  For example, forgiveness can replace resentment simply by a choice.

Deal with feelings personally before relationally. Do this through a kind and loving lens. Give expression when we invite others into our vulnerable emotional state.