In this next section, you will explore why identifying emotions and locating them as physical and somatic sensations is a key part of self-awareness. Emotional awareness involves recognizing the emotions you experience in different situations, while somatic awareness relates to identifying where you feel these emotions in your body.

Spark: Inquiry Activity

Recall a recent interaction at work that made you feel a strong emotion. Keep this interaction in mind as you engage with the activities below.

Step 1: Read

Review the Emotion Wheel and Physical Sensations List documents below. These resources will help you connect emotions you felt during your interaction at work with the physical sensations you may have experienced in your body.

PDF - Emotion Wheel
PDF - Physical Sensation List

Step 2: Write

After reviewing the resources above, respond to the following prompts in your Journal Space.

What was the primary emotion? The secondary emotion?
Was the emotional experience negative or positive? How did the emotional experience manifest?
What physical sensations did you experience based on the interaction you recalled in the Spark activity?
In what ways did your identity and positionality affect the emotional experience you had?

Step 3: Share

After reflecting on the Emotion Wheel and the Physical Sensations List, consider sharing your insights with a colleague or friend. Describe what you noticed and share how you might adapt these tools for use with students.