Wise Mind: Integrating Emotional and Rational Mind :)

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has been working on a communication series and in his latest post (communication-difficult-conversations-series) he spoke about how words, emotions, and authority work together. This reminded me of a DBT Mindfulness Skill (Wise Mind) and thought I'd share a little bit! :)

In DBT, there are three states of mind: Emotional Mind, Rational Mind, and Wise Mind. The goal isn’t to eliminate emotion or become hyper-logical but rather to create a middle path of wise mind (integrating and honoring both!) I also kind of think of these on a continuum /spectrum. I don't think any person is just "purely" emotion minded or rational minded. They are both present. Wise Mind allows us to be intentional with how we relate to these. :)

Let's take a looksie! :)

EMOTION MIND

Thinking and acting primarily from feelings. Here mood determines perception and urges feel.... urgent. Experiences are interpreted through emotional intensity. Here's the thing though...these emotions are still influenced by thoughts, so it's not like thoughts do not exist.

Pros of Only Using Emotion Mind:

-intuition and sensitivity

-empathy and relational awareness

-passion, creativity, and motivation

-quicker detection of potential threats (protective function)

Cons of Only Using Emotion Mind

-can distort interpretation of events/experiences that are meant to be neutral

-can be more impulsive or reactive

-can be more challenging tolerating distress

-feelings as facts cognitive distortion "If I feel it, it must be true” thinking

RATIONAL MIND

Thinking logically, analytically, and factually. Decisions are based on evidence, structure, and reason.

Pros of Only Using Rational Mind:

-clear problem-solving

-decreased impulsivity

-strategic planning

-ability to pause and assess outcomes

Cons of Only Using Rational Mind:

-can invalidate or suppress emotions (emotions are there to inform--they don't have to steer, but they give us valuable information)

-may appear cold or disconnected

-can lead to overthinking / analysis paralysis

-can lead to ignoring emotional needs until they erupt later (emotions are there and they will show up somehow...tending to them is important)

Rational Mind protects us from chaos/overwhelm but overreliance can create disconnection from self and others.

WISE MIND

Wise Mind is not about doing a 50/50 approach--it's about integrating both (allowing room for both emotions and logic to take place). I actually dislike the terminology, because the terminology itself implies that one is better than the other...

Wise Mind acknowledges emotion without being ruled byit aaaaand it uses logic without dismissing humanity. This is where values are integrated--it's grounded, centered, and provides a sense of steadiness, even (or especially?) under stress.

IDEAS FOR PRACTICING WISE MIND---> take a look at the pdf below. :)

POLL: Which “Mind” Do You Default To Under Stress?

Emotional MindMy feelings take the wheel. Fast.

Rational MindI detach, analyze, and try to out-think it.

I swing between both extremesHot → cold → hot again.

I know Wise Mind… accessing it is another story.

I’ve been practicing Wise Mind more consistently lately.

It depends on the situation and who’s involved.

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