Our emotions play a key role in how we navigate life and influence our relationships with others and ourselves. Being aware of our emotions is crucial for making decisions that truly benefit us. Developing emotional awareness involves taking time to reflect on and keep track of our feelings.
There are several ways to improve emotional awareness. Mindfulness and paying attention to emotions are closely related practices that focus on bringing a nonjudgmental awareness to your inner experiences, especially your emotional states. This can help foster emotional intelligence, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity.
Try the RAIN technique
The acronym RAIN was first coined by mindfulness teacher Michele McDonald as a tool for practicing mindfulness and emotional awareness
R – Recognize what is going on
Question yourself: ‘’How am I feeling both physically and mentally?
A – Allow the experience to be there, just as it is
Keep in mind: Feel what you are feeling without judgement
I – Investigate with curiosity and kindness
Question yourself: ‘’Why do I feel this way?’’
N – Nurture with self-compassion
Keep in mind: You are not defined by your emotions
When we allow ourselves to simply be present and breathe through what we notice—including our own inner responses—we open a calm, gentle space. In this space, we can thoughtfully choose how, or even if, we want to respond rather than react.
Practicing mindfulness in everyday life is essential to cultivating a simpler, more vibrant experience!
