Mindfulness.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Mindfulness. But, what is it? There are many things one can ascertain from the word itself, but what it’s really described as is: Focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. Mindfulness recently is being employed as a therapeutic technique.

It is simply stopping, taking stock of your feelings and physical sensations in relation to the situation you’re currently facing.

Seems logical to be aware of your feelings, but actually, it isn’t always that easy; especially when your feelings are confusing or painful.

What can one do to better be aware of themselves and emotions? Your thoughts, actions and emotions are tied closely together. Thoughts create emotions, which create actions. Having this awareness will dramatically affect your life in very positive ways.

Empathy.
Empathy is built through an understanding of oneself and processes. This necessitates deliberate self-reflection and self-work. The more you understand your own thoughts, feelings and emotions the more you can understand the perspective, thoughts and emotions of others.
I’m referring a bit more towards cognitive empathy in this regard, yet emotional empathy definitely plays a role. Emotional empathy makes someone well attuned to another person’s inner emotional world, to the point that they themselves are also experiencing another’s emotions as thought it were their own. Self-work is also essential so that one can differentiate ones emotional state from another.

The awareness of one’s emotions, and the understanding of them culminate into something known as Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence an individual’s abilities to recognize and manage their emotions, and the emotions of other people, both individually and in groups.

This also includes: being conscientious and controlling your actions (not acting rashly); taking personal responsibility for your own behavior. Also, being adaptable to different situations, good communication skills and empathy- to understand yourself and another person’s emotional reaction.

Mindfulness: Being aware of one’s emotions in the present moment

Empathy: The ability to understand one’s emotions

Emotional Intelligence: Ability to recognize and manage ones emotions

Ultimately, we’re striving for a high level of emotional maturity through these practices, to be able to peaceably and appropriately manage situations and feelings as they arise and live happier, more productive lives.