Mastering Our Inner Energy Through Emotional Intelligence, Meditation and Journaling
Have you ever considered the power of the energy you carry with you daily? The energy radiating from within shapes our external world. Daniel Goleman's research on emotional intelligence reveals that we have more influence over our emotions than we might believe. Utilizing simple tools such as journaling, meditation and emotion tracking, we can master our inner energy.
Emotional intelligence isn't about suppressing undesirable feelings. Instead, it emphasizes recognizing our emotions as they arise, understanding them, and managing them effectively. The goal? To respond rationally rather than being overwhelmed or impulsively reacting.
A few methods to hone emotional intelligence include:
Journaling: Start your day by setting intentions and periodically noting down emotions as they surface.
Meditation: A practice that can foster awareness and balance.
Emotion Tracking: Regularly identify and name your emotions throughout the day. This helps in recognizing patterns.
It’s an eye-opening fact: we operate from our subconscious almost 400 times more than we might think, essentially living on autopilot. By not acknowledging our emotional patterns, we risk succumbing to negative emotions, impairing decision-making, stifling creativity, and even weakening our connections with others.
Want to assess your emotional awareness? Try a 48-hour challenge: monitor and name every emotion you feel. If a particular emotion seems pervasive or if you can't recall a time without it, you've likely stumbled upon a recurring pattern. Ponder on the emotion you'd prefer to experience. Visualize it, feel its presence, and strategize ways to integrate that feeling into your daily life.
In mastering our emotions, we not only enrich our personal experiences but also positively influence those around us.
Moment of Introspection & Leadership:
Leadership is about influencing others to unlock their inherent genius and guiding them towards a better version of themselves. In my leadership journey, I've encountered myriad unexpected challenges. Working closely with others means intimately engaging with their energies, which can manifest in various ways during interactions—sometimes open and receptive, sometimes closed off.
I recall my early leadership years where my primary focus was managing everyone else's energy. However, the real transformation occurred when I shifted that focus to managing my own energy first. I realized the calmer I remained in the face of unexpected events, the more effectively I could guide others toward a similar state of equanimity.
My spiritual practices, particularly journaling and meditation, were instrumental in this transformation. Though initially unsure about the specific changes, I began to notice a decline in anxiety and negativity—two dominant emotions that had greatly hindered my leadership. If left unchecked, these emotions could have drastically altered my life's trajectory, diverting me from my dreams and the person I aspire to be.
Take emotional intelligence seriously. Just as I prioritize my physical workouts in the gym, it's crucial to consistently invest time in 'exercising' my mind and emotions. The journey to becoming the best version of ourselves is ongoing. Deepening our understanding of our inner world and the emotions we encounter ensures that we remain aligned with our grandest dreams and aspirations.
Books to support you in your journey:
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
“Emotions are data; emotional intelligence is the compass.”
— Anonymous
REFLECTIVE & DISCOVERY QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHTS & JOURNALING
Where does your best energy come from?
In what ways do you cultivate better-feeling feelings?
FOR YOUR TEAM DAILY HUDDLE
How do we want to contribute to our best energy as a team today?