Newspaper Article

Emotional fitness critical element in general health

Redman, Warren

1999

Overview

The senses will have become attuned to whatever it is that causes that trigger. For example, if you are feeling happy, you are more likely to notice a bird singing. If you feel down, you'll notice a comment that seems to be a criticism of you. In each case you'll act accordingly, smiling at the bird song or snapping at the remark. It is all a matter of balance between our satisfactions and frustrations, said [Eugene Heimler], who taught in Europe where he established the Heimler Institute, and in Calgary where he held the chair of Human Social Functioning at the University of Calgary for 15 years. Note that it doesn't mean you are emotionally healthy if you have no frustration at all. We all need some frustration to keep us motivated, yet not so much that we feel overwhelmed. In fact, our frustration is the source of our potential creative energy, our drive to live life to the fullest, which we can do when there is also enough satisfaction.

• Publisher: Postmedia Network Inc