Why We React So Strongly (And How Language Can Help)
Why do we sometimes react so strongly to situations that seem small in hindsight?
Strong reactions are often blamed on stress, personality, or a lack of emotional control.
But research suggests something simpler and more practical is often at play: a lack of precise language for what we’re actually feeling.
In this episode, we delve into how language influences emotional experience, why vague feelings often lead to intense reactions, and how accurately naming emotions supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthier responses.
Drawing on the work of Brené Brown, Susan David’s research on emotional agility, and Karla McLaren’s work on emotional literacy, this conversation examines emotions as information rather than problems to be fixed. You’ll learn:
- Why “I’m angry” is often just the starting point
- How stronger emotional vocabulary helps calm the nervous system
- Simple ways to begin noticing and naming what’s happening before reactions take over.
This episode is for anyone who feels reactive at times, gets triggered easily, or wants more clarity and choice in how they respond, without turning emotions into a big project!
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Beyond the Type podcast episode on the Enneagram Centers of Intelligence:
https://www.swansoncoaching.com/podcasts/beyond-the-type-an-enneagram-inspired-podcast-about-being-human/episodes/2149055083
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Brené Brown - Strong Ground (book)
https://amzn.to/4pJ4NVB
Susan David - Emotional Agility (book)
https://amzn.to/4pDndXC
Karla McLaren - (emotional vocabulary list)
https://karlamclaren.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Emotional-Vocabulary-List.pdf
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reacting strongly, emotional reactions, emotional regulation, emotional language, naming emotions, emotional vocabulary, emotional awareness, emotional agility, emotional literacy, nervous system regulation, self-awareness, managing emotional reactions, getting triggered, emotional triggers, overreacting emotionally, responding instead of reacting, stress responses, emotional overwhelm, communication skills, relational awareness, healthier communication, personal growth, emotional intelligence, self-regulation skills, workplace communication, relationship dynamics, Enneagram, centers of intelligence
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