ACT on Emotional Courage

“Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life. So, how do we begin to dismantle rigidity and embrace emotional agility?”, asks TED speaker Susan David.

This is one of the core messages of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In fact, the following quote from her talk is pure ACT – see my comments in brackets [ ] below :

“When you feel a strong, tough emotion, don’t race for the emotional exits. [ in ACT terms, that would be AVOIDANCE ] Learn its contours, show up to the journal of your hearts. What is the emotion telling you? And try not to say “I am,” as in, “I’m angry” or “I’m sad.” When you say “I am” it makes you sound as if you are the emotion. [ in ACT terms, this is called FUSION ] Whereas you are you, and the emotion is a data source. Instead, try to notice the feeling for what it is: “I’m noticing that I’m feeling sad” or “I’m noticing that I’m feeling angry.” [ in ACT terms, this is called NOTICING or alligning with the OBSERVING SELF ] These are essential skills for us, our families, our communities. They’re also critical to the workplace.”

Again, in terms of ACT her opening question about how to “dismantle rigidity and embrace emotional agility” points to another central tenet of ACT and that is embracing a more OPEN and FLEXIBLE approach to life’s challenges.

Source: https://ted.com/talks/susan_david_the_gift_and_power_of_emotional_courage
See also Self_help Audios: https://shop.wellemart.com/collections/dr-emmett-miller
Books: ACT Made Simple: https://shop.wellemart.com/products/act-made-simple-an-easy-to-read-primer-on-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-the-new-harbinger-made-simple-series
Other links: https://shop.wellemart.com/collections/books-psychology…