"But are not this struggle and even the mistakes one may make better, and do they not develop us more, than if we kept systematically away from emotions? "
~Vincent Van Gogh
Have you been watching this on PBS? This Emotional Life is a three part, six hour, series about emotions. Family, Friends, and Lovers (part one) was fantastic; a must see! Some of the people I have been reading and studying made appearances. Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, is the host. John Gottman, author of Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, showed up during the Lovers segment. He's also written several books on how to have a successful marriage. I saw of a lot of B and I in that part too. Learning how to communicate in a marriage is hard and must be in constant practice. I cried over the boy who was bullied, I was inspired by the young man with Asperger's, and I have hope for children with Reactive Attachment Disorder.
The second part was about strong negative emotions: fear, anger, and sadness. It's so wonderful to see these feelings talked about as good things, just as I have been reading for a couple of years now. So many people still think that it's a sign of weakness to be overcome with them. Or worse, that showing these feelings is inappropriate. It always makes a tremendous difference with the kids when I acknowledge their negative feelings, and empathize with them. Letting them feel their anger and hurt, and really listening to them is something I've never had for myself. I can see how truly healing it really is.
I expect the third part to be a joy to watch as well. I am so thrilled to see emotional intelligence getting more attention. I truly hope this touches a lot of people. Seriously, it's worth the time investment to watch these shows. I'll update with links to the other two episodes as they become available.
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I always miss the good shows likie this on PBS. I need to start checking their schedule more often. Hope it reairs soon!
Summer you can watch the first two episodes online
Part one is here
http://video.pbs.org/video/1376586783
Part two
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/video/facing-our-fears
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