On the morning of December 14, 2024, the Luong Van Can Foundation hosted the emotional wellness workshop “Understanding Yourself to Navigate Emotional Waves – Befriending Difficult Emotions.” This meaningful session was designed to help students better understand their emotional landscape and develop healthy approaches to embracing difficult feelings commonly encountered in life. The program was facilitated by Ms. Vien Ngoc Uyen My, an educator with over eight years of experience in the field. Known for her open-minded and empathetic approach, Ms. My guided students through a journey of self-discovery and emotional awareness.

During the session, students participated in four practical exercises that explored the link between emotions and physical sensations. These included:

• Recognizing and naming emotions

• Connecting emotions with bodily responses

• Analyzing emotional patterns

• Practicing self-compassion

Through these interactive activities, Ms. My emphasized that difficult emotions are not harmful – rather, they act as signals that certain needs are unmet. These needs may include respect, understanding, peace, empathy, or even basic necessities like food and water. By identifying the root causes behind emotional responses, students learned how to adjust their behaviors to meet these needs more effectively.

One of the most engaging moments of the workshop was an activity introducing students to three emotional “zones”:

• High Zone – Characterized by heightened energy levels and often accompanied by feelings of anger, anxiety, or frustration.

• OK Zone – A balanced emotional state where energy is regulated, thinking is clear, and decisions are made with ease.

• Low Zone – Where energy levels drop, leading to emotional exhaustion, sadness, or withdrawal.

Through a storytelling exercise about the emotional fluctuations of a fictional character named “A” throughout a day, students explored how emotional states shift and how to recognize which zone they are in at any given moment.

Ms. My introduced students to the concept of a “treasure chest of emotions”—a personalized list of comforting activities that can help restore emotional balance. Students were encouraged to identify what makes them feel safe and supported, such as:

• Journaling

• Talking with close friends

• Walking in nature

• Caring for pets

• Enjoying a favorite food

These “emotional treasures” serve as tools students can return to whenever they face emotional turbulence, helping them move back into the OK zone with greater resilience. To conclude the session, students took part in a reflective self-compassion exercise. They were asked to write a message of encouragement to a friend who was going through a tough time—and were then reminded that they, too, deserve the same kindness, support, and care. This activity served as a powerful reminder that nurturing one’s own emotions is a crucial step toward personal growth and emotional resilience.

The Luong Van Can Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Ms. Vien Ngoc Uyen My for leading such an impactful and thoughtful session. Through her guidance, students gained practical tools and meaningful insights into managing emotions with self-awareness and compassion. We hope this experience will empower them on their journey of emotional growth and personal development.

Source: LVCF Media Team