RisikoBRIEFing - June 2011
…is grounded upon a realization which, though it has gained currency in the sciences, has not yet done so in society. Emotions originate in parallel with our thoughts. It is for this reason that I speak in terms of emotional and intellectual thoughts because, to my mind, both have one factor in common, namely, the fact that they are primarily rational.
In a plurality of situations the exercise of common sense is an extremely wise course of approach whereas, in contrast, in other circumstances it is wholly impracticable: if you are due to sign a contract and your stomach is rumbling then, obviously, you can intellectually suppress this incipient feeling – but the wiser approach would be to pause for a moment and trust your gut instincts.
This is not simply “some gut feeling”, it is a feeling which your body senses and which sends you an important message. It is frequently the case that a short stroll is sufficient for the purpose of elucidating an impulsive reacti0n. However, a gut feeling simply cannot be read as easily as a thought which emerges along logical and analytical lines!
We usually struggle to comprehend our feelings. However, this does not change the fact that our feelings are just as rational as our thoughts. Obviously, in the (normative) sense “rational” does not mean “generated by a ratio” in this case – rather, it stands for rational in the (descriptive) sense, namely, as “extremely well suited to the situation”.
This newsletter features a self-coaching exercise on the subject of “How do you handle emotions?” following which attention is focused on the term “sense of reality” as a risk intelligence module.
I trust that you will find the art of handling your risks to be an entertaining exercise.
Your
Brigitte Witzer
Contents:
RISK INTELLIGENCE SELF-COACHING:
How do you handle emotions?
THE RISK INTELLIGENCE MODULES (2): sense of reality.
Empirical knowledge, action competence and awareness will follow.
How do you handle emotions?
We are well aware of the fact that only when it is exercised does our brain blossom. Someone who has consistently practised the art of analytical and logical thinking will be blessed with a brain which has developed along exactly the same lines. Where do you stand on this issue? Can you make anything of your emotions? Or is it rather the case that your messages remain a mystery?
| ++ | + | 0 | + | ++ | ||
| Emotion and reason are good partners. | My emotions are all the same to me. I rely on reason. | |||||
| Emotions are practical, but often difficult for me to fathom. | Emotions are superfluous, taking them into consideration just costs time. | |||||
| Emotions are a reliable companion. | Emotions are continually changing. | |||||
| I trust my gut feeling. | My gut feeling unsettles me more. | |||||
| Fear provides stimuli. | Fear? It is alien to me. |
Empirical knowledge, action competence and awareness will follow.
As a child I was fascinated by the fact that my father invariably knew best. He conveyed to me the notion that there is an objective reality to which he had access, indeed, over the interpretation of which he enjoyed absolute sovereignty. During discussions with clients I am continually aware of the fact that such an objective reality is assumed and that people are prepared to submit to it – without compulsion and without scrutiny.
Much of that which we term objective reality encompasses mere habits or outdated concepts. For example, in the normal course of events it is unreasonable, if not nonsensical, for someone to couple their professional development to myths from the realm of career development. I consider concepts such as “change jobs every two years” or “never downgrade” to be possible guidelines, but nothing more.
In contrast, just how important our subjective reality is has not gained very much currency: it reflects our comprehension of the world. We construct our world from our doctrines, family patterns, neuroses and from that which we have learned in times of crisis. It is unique and not that easily accessible to others. This subjective reality constitutes the basis of our communicative behaviour.
We communicate, talk to others as if there were an objective reality and we lose sight of the fact that this reality cannot, does not, exist in the first place. Collective crash barriers which constitute part and parcel of our behaviour or a certain degree of common sense in inter-personal relations may perhaps exist, but nothing more.
Anyone who assumes objective reality is labouring under an illusion in the same way as an alcoholic who thinks that their intoxicated state is reality or a gambler who imagines that they have an ingenious system for controlling reality. In my experience reality and addiction are closely related.
But someone wishing to master the risks which their life entails must also acknowledge the fact that that which only concerns them, and very individually so, also constitutes a risk. They are reliant upon their subjective reality. And what next?
For someone wishing to fathom their own reality and be aware of their attitude towards such reality the order of the day is to sense rather than segregate their own feelings and to address these feelings. A sound course of approach towards a rational interpretation would entail:
1. Perception: perceiving the feeling
2. Awareness: taking a closer look at the feeling, from a meta-viewpoint
3. Presence: understanding what message the feeling is conveying.
Presence also entails comprehending that the impetus for our action is rooted in our actual feelings. We obtain clarity and strength precisely from these three steps. Someone who places their trust in these steps is in reality – in their reality.