Men Talking Mindfulness
Transforming Stress into Strength: The Power of Emotional Resilience with Janine Johnston
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Episode notes
Discover how turning empathy into action can transform stress into strength and conflict into connection. Janine Johnston, a renowned expert in the fields of resilience and personal well-being brings her extensive knowledge and experience to the table, discussing practical tips and transformative insights that will help you navigate the complexities of modern life with greater ease and confidence. From managing stress in high-pressure environments to fostering a mindset that embraces growth and change, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Find Janine here: https://www.awaresilient.live. She has a Compassionate Leadership Workshop starting June 6, 2024 based on The Obstacle is the Way. Here's the link for that and MTM listeners get 20% off! Use the code MTMCompassion https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-compassionate-leader-the-obstacle-is-the-way-tickets-895347878607
Time Stamps:
(00:00:00) Turning empathy into action.
(00:05:14) Mindfulness and box breathing.
(00:08:10) Parenting challenges and growth.
(00:13:21) Compassion and self-compassion.
(00:16:47) Mindful self-compassion and anger.
(00:23:09) Slowing down for self-discovery.
(00:27:44) The reverse of compassion.
(00:29:29) Self-compassion and resilience.
(00:35:42) The self-esteem trap.
(00:39:13) Billionaires and wealth distribution.
(00:41:08) The cycle of wealth and giving.
(00:45:32) Emotional regulation and resilience.
00:49:27) Dealing with difficult emotions.
(00:53:54) Taking Radical Emotional Responsibility.
(00:57:06) Men embracing vulnerability.
(01:04:13) Practicing self-compassion.
(01:07:25) Taking the first step.
Synopsis:Janine Johnston's podcast episode focuses on developing emotional regulation to enhance resilience, showcasing how individuals can effectively manage their emotions and respond thoughtfully in challenging situations. Johnston likens individuals who have honed their emotional regulation skills to a flexible willow branch, capable of bending without breaking under stress, unlike those who lack these skills and are compared to brittle, easily breakable dead branches.She highlights the critical process of emotional regulation, which involves recognizing and naming emotions, feeling them physically, and expressing them appropriately. This helps in engaging the prefrontal cortex and calming the amygdala, leading to more considered responses instead of impulsive reactions. This approach not only aids in handling immediate stressors but also contributes to long-term resilience and adaptability.Johnston uses the analogy of playing with Oobleck, a cornstarch and water mixture, with teenagers to demonstrate emotional regulation. This hands-on activity helps participants visualize and understand the transformation of emotions, enhancing their grasp of managing emotions from a solid (stuck) to a liquid (manageable) state.Furthermore, the episode delves into self-compassion as a cornerstone for building resilience. Johnston discusses mindful self-compassion, which involves recognizing personal suffering, understanding that such suffering is universal, and responding with kindness and encouragement. This approach contrasts with the pitfalls of high self-esteem, which often involves detrimental comparisons with others.By advocating for self-awareness and the acknowledgment of softer, underlying emotions, Johnston promotes a resilient mindset. This mindset not only withstands challenges but also fosters a compassionate response towards oneself and others, emphasizing the importance of internal strength and flexibility over external validation.Overall, the podcast underscores the transformative impact of emotional regulation and self-compassion in fostering emotional, mental, and social resilience, leading to a more balanced and resilient approach to life's challenges.
empathy, action, stress, strength, connection,bio, mindfulness, dyslexia, anxiety, resilience,breathing exercises, meditation, parent, ego, guilt,children