recommendation
Identity

Why You Feel What You Feel

Dr. Alan Watkins on Emotional Intelligence

Listen to this article
0:00 / 0:00

“Do I have my emotions or do my emotions have me? Have I graduated past the level of emotional intelligence that most people get stuck in? That, of a nine-year-old? Is it possible to live a life of freedom inside of a clarified understanding of where I end and others begin? Do I live with an internal or external locus (command centre) of control? Could it be that I’ve been surrendered to life as a victim where I could otherwise become dignified agent in my own and others wellbeing?”

Each of these questions are approached and answered in this timely reflection from renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Allan Watkins. If you’re seeking a more responsible approach to your days, consider journeying with Dr. Watkins through a map of the world of emotion and the developmental phases that mark it. In this talk, you’ll learn how to distinguish between emotions (energy in motion) and feelings (the subjective experience of that energy that we label with the terms, ‘sad’, or ‘startled’, for example). 

In a world of mounting tension and violence, the need for emotional intelligence—to ‘keep’ oneself from merely becoming part of the problem—has never been greater. Take in this cogent lecture and learn tools for mapping out an understanding of how more of the reflexes your brain and body can become chosen responses that can begin to serve you and the people you love. Settled habits that can benefit us, as opposed to unplanned reflexes that imprison us. 

Sign up for our newsletter and receive resources to help you on your journey of discovering deeper meaning, purpose and lasting joy.  

Thank you for subscribing.

Watch your inbox, we’ve got some encouragement coming your way.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form, please refresh and try again.
Related resources
Watch
recommendation
Identity Crisis: Why Defining Yourself by Your Career Is a Problem
One way to develop a healthier relationship with your career may be to visualize its end.
4:27
Watch
recommendation
Lean Into Imposter Syndrome, Don't Give In to It
Why do ambitious “strivers” so often feel they haven’t truly earned their success?
Read
recommendation
What Am I Searching for in Adventure?
How fun times could be a distraction from the life you are made for.
Read
recommendation
You Are Unique and Unrepeatable
A reflection on the inherent value in each of us.
Read
recommendation
Who Is Shaping the Person You’re Becoming?
You are what you love (Even if you don’t know it)
recommendation
You Can’t Outrun Yourself
What if real change begins, not with self-improvement, but with self-acceptance?
1:46
Watch
recommendation
Without The Title, Who Are You?
Our careers will always be temporary. Who are we without it?
4:19
Watch
recommendation
Responsibility is a Gift
The beauty of being human.
6:05
Watch
recommendation
Kevin*
A story of personal transformation.
8 min
Read
recommendation
You belong—always have
An exploration of loneliness as a profound human condition that reveals our essential need for love, connection, and relationship, showing that we are inherently made for intimacy, not isolation.
7 min
Read
recommendation
TFW you want to be a better person
Wanting to grow is already a step toward change. Perfection isn’t the point — progress is. Like Franklin, we learn through practice, not performance. Whether it’s journaling, prayer, or simply starting small, self-reflection paired with grace leads to transformation. You don’t need to do it all today — just take one step forward, and keep going.
13 min
Watch
recommendation
Discovery of self-possession
Have you ever longed to feel really settled in who you are and what you have to offer? Walk through this exploration in how we come to self-possession.