Section 3: Holding Space for Your Emotions

Emotional agility and the skills associated with developing emotional agility are very helpful when it comes to managing emotions. Managing emotions allows us to be more patient and submit to the Creator’s purpose for our lives. However, many times when we first encounter an emotion it is difficult for us to discern the true nature or source of an emotion. 

Sometimes, we perceive negative internal chatter as truth. It is often very hard in real time to recognize when our emotions are spiraling unproductively or when we internalize our perception for our reality,  which can be debilitating and limiting. As a result of this, many leaders use the concept of locating one’s self on the line to recognize and assess their emotions, and to hold space for our emotions in real time so that we are not debilitated by them. 

The framework of locating ourselves either above or below the line helps us to make sense of what is occurring in our lives. When we are “below” the line we feel as though there is a lack or not enough of the things we think we need most like time, money or love. When we are below the line we also feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Whereas when we are “above” the line we orient towards learning and growing,  and value doing the two more than being right. When we are above the line we truly believe that all things and people work together for our good. People above the line live in curiosity, listen deeply, and live a life of chosen and conscious joy. 

Joy does not mean being happy all the time or suppressing other more difficult emotions. Instead joy means choosing to be hopeful, grateful and open to what could be and what good there is because of the security of who and what you believe in. It is important to recognize that we are hardwired to be below the line, it is the survival instinct of fallen mankind. We often perceive difficulties as a threat to our physical survival when many times they are merely a threat to our ego. Being above the line is about choice and a conscious effort to prioritize hope. When we are above the line and exercise emotional agility we are better able to collaborate, create, innovate and connect with others.

Locating Yourself - A Key to Conscious Leadership

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