ACT Episode 6: Expansion and Acceptance
This episode illustrates that a life well lived is one that involves the full range of human emotions. Knowing how to experience and navigate big emotions is a key component of emotional resilience and psychological flexibility.
Note: The ACT video series is designed for the viewer to watch in sequence, so please start with Episode 1 and work your way through the series. Here are the links to each of the previous videos: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5 .
ACT Episode 6: Expansion and Acceptance – This episode focuses on the skill of expansion and explores the importance of being able to navigate the full range of human emotions. Whether you are experiencing profound love or great disappointment it is vital for you to be able to feel the emotion fully and navigate it successfully. Making space for difficult emotions is something most people struggle with and yet it is a key skill required for emotional resilience and psychological flexibility. If you are unwilling or unable to process a given emotion, you will begin to actively avoid situations that might lead to you having to confront that emotion. This pattern of avoiding unpleasant or difficult emotions can become habitual and can get in the way of you living lined up with your core values.
With practice, you can learn there is no emotion you need to avoid. You can let your emotions inform you so that you can make better decisions about your boundaries.
If you are not afraid of loss, you will be more willing to take the risk to find love.
If you are not afraid of failure, you will be more willing to dare greatly in your work and personal life.
If you are truly open to the full range of human emotions, you will be able to create a rich and meaningful life.
If you are watching this video series and would like to receive an email notice when a new video is placed in the emotional wellness video toolbox please send an email to Lisa Laughman
After watching this episode feel free to visit The Happiness Trap website and access the free resources related to Acceptance Commitment Theory.
Related Articles
ACT Episode 8: Value Guided Living
This video concludes the ACT series with a focus on clarifying your values so you are able to direct your time and energy towards value guided living.
ACT Episode 7: Expansion Strategies
This video offers specific skills and strategies to help you navigate powerful emotions.
ACT Episode 5: Connection
This episode introduces the skill of “Connection” which is an informal mindfulness practice. Shifting our attention to the here and now allows us to release our attachment to our current thought, making space for a brand new ones to come through.
ACT Episode 4: Defusion Strategies
This video offers specific diffusion strategies for you to experiment with. Find the ones that are right for you….
