In this world of constant change, we often feel like circumstances are happening to us but one thing we can control is our emotional reaction to events. To help people calibrate their various emotions, Dr. Larry Senn has developed a Mood Elevator tool. He notes that everyone “rides the elevator” up and down throughout the days, but encourages people to intentionally “start from curiosity” before reacting.
Curiosity is the dividing point on the Mood Elevator that allows people to keep their negative emotions in check. Instead of getting upset by a behavior, if it is approached with curiosity it often allows the person to move “up” the elevator toward humor, understanding and insight instead of “down” the elevator toward frustration, irritation or judgment.
By keeping the Mood Elevator in a prominent location, people can use it as a reminder that their moods are within their control and consciously work toward expressing moods that are positive, instead of instinctively revealing a negative reaction.
Naturally, everyone goes up and down depending upon the situation, but like in skyscrapers, the view is better from the top! Perhaps the Mood Elevator can help you stay on the upper floors more often.
Thanks, Bekki!
