PTFL materials

Existential Psychology An inspiring psychotherapist and novelist Irving Yalom (see reading list) discusses that we can also develop emotional patterns as a way of coping with the existential challenges of human life itself. Because we are self-aware and are able to reflect we need to come to terms with the following key aspects of being human; • freedom

• the need for connection • the search for meaning • the awareness of our own mortality

EXPLORING AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR LIMITING PATTERNS Exploring ‘limiting patterns’ and ‘iron boxes’ means reconnecting with some of our struggles and challenges of the past. This is different than dwelling on the past. We are taking stock of the ways in which our past experiences colour our current actions. This process is challenging, sometimes uncomfortable, and very worthwhile. The outcome is that you add a new piece to your awareness; you will expand the ways you experience yourself and other people, and open up choice in the ways you behave and relate to others. It is like writing an alternative internal script. Our aim is to reclaim some of the emotional landscape that was lost through our protective stances. As David White, a ‘corporate poet’ writes in “The Heart Aroused”: “Our deeper struggles are in effect our greatest spiritual and creative assets, and the doors to whatever creativity we might possess.” Embarking on this process to become emotionally more connected makes us better leaders, spouses and parents.

Reconnecting with your story and turning previously untouched stones also opens the door to finding your Authentic Leadership qualities.

As Barack Obama writes in “Dreams from my Father”: “It builds a bridge between the future and the past”

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