This episode is a discussion between Journal Heaux, Tiffy, and Pamela Sackett, author, language artist, and founder of Emotion Literacy Advocates. The language we use to describe our feelings has weight and in this episode, the value of emotion literacy (distinct from emotionAL literacy) is highlighted and expressed. Pamela guides us through the importance of understanding our “internal infrastructure” and being mindful of the language we use in connection with our relationship to our emotions and feelings. Pamela describes how our childhood experiences affect our relationship to our emotions, as does our current society and culture. Journaling is an opportunity to discover language toward yourself and your emotions that is unconditionally authentic.
“It’s really, really important that we encourage our capacity to feel… It’s human“
Pamela Sackett
Our discussion opens up with the question:
What is the value of emotion literacy?
Pamela says, “The value of emotion literacy comes out of understanding the nature of illiteracy”.
“Expression isn’t always congruent, and oftentimes isn’t congruent with what was going on inside”.
“When we are emotional, there may be something there that needs to be communicated.”
Pamela compares emotion literacy to driving a car. We are aware of how we are driving — we understand that we are steering and the wheels are moving but we don’t understand what’s going on under the hood.
Language & Journaling
Pamela says emotion literacy is language management for self-understanding and social change. She believes language is a common missing link in self-care related endeavors. We may use words like “good” and “bad” to describe our emotions, and that stems from how our expression was reacted to when we were young or by our current social and cultural expectations. Using words that are in alignment with what is happening inside requires authenticity and acceptance of your feelings.
Journaling is an opportunity.
Pamela says journaling is a creative process if you are discovering emotions as you write. When you do this, you are using a creative part of the brain and building self-trust. Journaling requires vulnerability and vulnerability is a space for learning and facing uncertainty.
Mentions, links, and where to find more of Pamela Sackett:
- Website – Emotion Literacy Advocates.
- Feeling-favoritism & Feeling-equity (PDF)
- Podcast with Ryan Brown and Pamela Sackett – “Shadow Work–Breaking the Rules to Address Trauma, Suicide, Depression, and Healing”
- “One Thing For Sure” Series
- Type of therapy mentioned by Tiffy – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy