Bending Without Breaking: Lessons in Emotional Agility from Dr. Susan David
At Real Grounded Therapy, I am always looking for ways to help my clients build true emotional resilience—the kind that helps you bend without breaking. Recently, I took a deep dive course into the work of Dr. Susan David, a renowned Harvard Medical School psychologist, award-winning author, and one of the world’s leading thinkers in emotional well-being.
Dr. David’s groundbreaking course, Bending Without Breaking – Thriving in Life, Family & Everything In Between, offers a profound framework for navigating the complexity of modern life with compassion and clarity. Her TED Talk on the topic of emotional agility has already inspired more than 11 million viewers worldwide, offering a powerful reminder that “courage is not the absence of fear—but fear walking.”
What Is Emotional Agility?
Emotional agility is the ability to experience our thoughts and feelings in a way that is both honest and adaptive. Rather than suppressing, ignoring, or becoming overwhelmed by emotions, emotional agility encourages us to pause, listen, and move forward in alignment with our values.
Dr. David’s work teaches us that avoiding tough emotions doesn’t protect us—it keeps us stuck. And when we deny our feelings, we risk sacrificing authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection.
Key Takeaways from Dr. David’s Course
Name Your Emotions, Don’t Numb Them
Recognizing and labeling emotions is the first step toward managing them effectively. Emotional literacy empowers us to respond, not react.Step Out of the Thought Spiral
Thoughts are not facts. When we get hooked by our inner critic or anxious thinking, we lose sight of what truly matters. Learning to “unhook” from those loops is crucial.Values Are the Compass
Even in uncertainty, your values remain steady. Living in alignment with them—even when it’s hard—leads to a more grounded and fulfilling life.Tiny Tweaks, Big Shifts
Small acts of self-awareness and intentional choice can have a massive impact on how we move through the world.
How We Integrate This at Real Grounded Therapy
Whether in one-on-one sessions, workshops, or nature-based Open Sky Therapy, I integrate emotional agility practices to help clients reconnect with their authentic selves. At Real Grounded Therapy, I encourage awareness without judgment, values-based decision-making, and tools to tolerate discomfort with compassion.
My goal isn’t to “fix” your emotions—it’s to help you trust them, learn from them, and move forward with greater self-trust and resilience.
Ready to Build Your Emotional Agility?
Explore how these tools can transform your personal, relational, and professional life. Let’s work together to help you thrive—even in the in-between moments.
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