Bibliotherapy: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s new book, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience serves as a reference guide to understand the language of emotions and human experience. She states, “research shows that the process of labeling emotional experience is related to greater emotion regulation and psychosocial well-being.”

She shares that “human emotions and experiences are layers of biology, biography, behavior, and backstory.” When we can recognize, name, and make sense of our experiences that is what creates meaning. She explains her Grounded Theory on Cultivating Meaningful Connection which includes Grounded Confidence, the Courage to Walk Alongside, and Story Stewardship, and how these skills lead to meaningful connection.

She cites research showing that the average person only easily recognizes three emotions: happy, sad, and angry. In Atlas of the Heart, Brown describes 87 emotions and human experiences broken down into 13 categories. The greater emotion language we have, the better equipped we are to cultivate meaningful connection.

Are you looking to cultivate meaningful connection or grow your emotional library? Coriander Living Collective offers individual psychotherapy and counseling, and workshops and retreats to support you in creating a life well lived! Reach out!