In last month’s article on kindness, one of the keystones underpinning this generosity of spirit is the ability to identify with others’ pleasures and sufferings.
This requires a degree of ‘Emotional Intelligence’, a relatively recent behavioural model, rising to prominence with Daniel Goleman’s 1995 synonymous book. It means that we are aware of the emotions of other people and can manage our relationships with them. But the prerequisite is that we are able to understand ourselves, our goals, intentions, responses, behaviour and can control and manage our own emotions.
Sounds a tall order? Probably the majority of us do this without thinking or realising that’s what we’re doing.
If you look at the potential outcomes of healthy emotional intelligence below, it’s worthwhile doing a ‘mind and body check’ using the above criteria, to see where we are in our development.
“We may become more productive and successful at what we do, and help others to be more productive and successful too. The process and outcomes of emotional intelligence development also contain many elements known to reduce stress for individuals and organisations, by decreasing conflict, improving relationships and understanding, and increasing stability, continuity and harmony.”
So where does this fit in terms of bodywork therapies?
Imbalance in our emotional life leads to tension and stress which is evident in our bodily health. Which is one of the reasons that a consultation before any bodywork includes an assessment of your lifestyle. Close friends and other professionals, such as counsellors, life coaches etc. can support us in our search for a balance in our emotional health. This, in conjunction with bodywork, which can help release long-held physical tensions, may help us achieve emotional intelligence and a balance of mind/body energy which results in a feeling of well-being and allows our personal growth.