Page 11 - NAMAH-Jul-2018

An Emotional Literacy Programme

Lopa Mukherjee

Abstract
Emotional intelligence is the ability to think with the heart. It is the capacity to empathise and be
compassionate towards people, animals, nature and even things. At its height, a person can become
a channel for divine Love. Emotional intelligence is a survival skill we learn as children, but not
everybody has it equally. In this article, the author lays out a practical programme to increase emotional
intelligence. It is structured around some key topics that can each be taught as a series of classes. The
introduction explains why emotional intelligence is important. Then the article goes on to state who
should participate, how they should participate and what methods can be used to measure progress.

Introduction gets a second chance. All rejoice in one person’s
victory. Opposing perspectives are openly and
Sri Aurobindo wrote that, “all problems of amicably discussed. The individual takes the
existence are essentially problems of harmony.” community along in his progress, and the
in the opening chapter of his magnum opus, community takes the individual along in
The Life Divine. From geopolitical battles to its progress. There is a collective sense of
misunderstandings between individuals, we responsibility to create more joy and maintain
can trace the root cause of problems to the peace.
lack of harmony. When we try to harmonise
the different parts of our being in our saadhanaa, A small step towards achieving harmony in
we find that we need to harmonise our outer the outer collective life would be to cultivate
life too. When the inner and outer walk in emotional intelligence. This article proposes a
step, a resonance is reached and we progress practical programme to create an atmosphere
faster. of love and unity conducive to inner growth
and outward harmony. Emotional intelligence
Imagine you live in a compassionate society is our capacity to empathise with others. At
where people care for the earth and humans its height it makes us channels of divine
and animals. They forgive mistakes. When Love. From childhood we teach ourselves
they make mistakes, they ask for forgiveness. to read signs — facial expressions, tone of
Everyone encourages everyone else. Everybody voice, body language, verbal clues. We can

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