The gift and power of emotional courage | Susan David

Recent questions

• What does "Sawubona" mean?

  "Sawubona" is a Zulu greeting that translates to "I see you, and by seeing you, I bring you into being." It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and recognizing others, bringing them into existence through this act of seeing and understanding.

• How did the speaker cope with grief?

  The speaker coped with grief by initially using food to numb her emotional pain after her father's death. However, a pivotal moment occurred when her English teacher encouraged her to authentically express her grief through writing. This act of showing up authentically to her pain marked the beginning of her journey towards emotional agility.

• What is emotional agility?

  Emotional agility involves being curious, compassionate, and courageous in facing emotions. It emphasizes the importance of accepting all emotions, accurately labeling them, and taking actions aligned with one's values. This approach leads to resilience, happiness, and fosters engagement, creativity, and innovation in personal and professional life.

• How does the speaker view emotions?

  The speaker criticizes the conventional view of emotions as either good or bad, highlighting its rigidity and toxicity. This perspective often leads to emotional suppression, hindering emotional growth and well-being. Instead, the speaker advocates for radical acceptance of all emotions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions.

• What did the speaker learn growing up in apartheid South Africa?

  Growing up in apartheid South Africa, the speaker learned about denial and its destructive power. This experience shaped her understanding of the importance of managing and acknowledging one's inner world to navigate the complexities of life effectively. The speaker's journey towards emotional agility was influenced by these early lessons in confronting denial and embracing authenticity in the face of adversity.