Each of us has a unique emotional style. However, sometimes our style can hold us back and prevent us from leading the life we want. Good news is, we can reshape our styles to complement our desire for happiness and a life associated with it.

This post is the second installment in my new course of study, “What’s My Emotional Style?”, “Mindfulness and Meditation” by Dr. Richard J. Davidson.

When asked in group discussion why I was taking this course I described my practicing meditation in my fight against colon and breast cancer. I believe using meditation as a method for focusing on faith and healing worked and I’ve discovered my Purpose is to share this information with others. I want to learn more tools to grow and promote a life of happiness and well-being.

 

 

Dr. Richard J. Davidson is a Psychologist and Founder of The Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his lifelong focus of study have revolved around the neurological aspects of the brain in relation to our emotions and how to affect changes.

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The goal for studying Mindfulness and Meditation is to achieve happiness and well-being in life. Well-being is a skill we can cultivate like exercise. You can’t run a Marathon without a training regime. Day after day practice is necessary to affect the outcome and results desired. Achieving happiness and well-being can be accomplished if we practice healthier habits of the mind.

 

 

This lesson on Mindfulness Meditation and Emotional Styles is about understanding the definitions and levels of each emotional range. Where do you fit on the scale? Too much, not enough, or just right. If you don’t like where you feel you fit, this awareness can help you work towards changing your brain and retraining it to make the adaptations you want.

Six Emotional Styles:

*Attention – Do you flit like a cat trying to catch a pointer light? Or are multiple tasks your forte’?

*Resilience – How quick do you bounce back from adversity? Can you take a hit and come back stronger, or does depression find you lying beside the road?

*Outlook – Do you savor the moment or is doom your best friend?

 

 

*Social Intuition – When interacting, how well are you able to read another person’s non-verbal cues. Can you empathize and know when to speak or listen?

*Self-Awareness – What is your response to the emotional signals your body sends (my heart races when I’m angry) or are you even conscious of them?

*Sensitivity to Context – In group situations, how do you regulate your behavior? Are you having a few too many and pole dancing at your company banquet? Yikes! Or, are you afraid to speak or move in fear of embarrassing yourself?

Finding out where you place on each emotional spectrum can help you retrain your brain to achieve the level of awareness you desire. Watch out for levels of extreme on either end.

I’m learning a lot from the variety of people sharing how they use meditation to center their lives. The benefits of taking those moments to focus or clear their minds. There’s not just one set viewpoint or practical use. The point is to give it a try, you might find some answers.

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• Real Estate Agent Krista on Mindfulness Meditation – “Meditation helps to quiet your mind. In the car turn off the radio and observe who you are in the present moment.”

 

 

I’ve always believed that awareness is the key to happiness. Living a mindful and purposeful life. Next time we’ll learn some meditation techniques to further our emotional growth.