Flag-Waving

There is a marked difference between the flag of a country and their people just as there is a marked difference between the governments of some countries and their citizens. Recently a neighboring...

The News and Emotions

Do you keep up with what is happening? Do you focus on mostly one issue (the topsy-turvy world of US government and congress, the dilemma of whether to re-open Lahaina so soon after the fires, the...

To Love and Be Loved

“Love is not something we give or get,” says Brené Brown, “it is something we nurture and grow, a connection that can be cultivated between two people only when it exists within each one of them—we...

Tragedy or Comedy

Well that sucked! (Or did it?) I often speak about how our emotions are the result of our interpretations. But what do you do when a whole pile of challenges happen together? How do you interpret...

Ho’omau – Never, Ever Give Up

It has been one full month since the fires blasted through southwest Maui, torching everything in sight. One month is about the average amount of time those not directly impacted seem to stay...

Emotions Have No Valence!

This may sound a bit radical to you, but it is my contention that there are no “negative” emotions – and therefore there are also no positive ones either. So-called negative feelings like anger,...

Kris Girrell (@krisgirrell) • Instagram photo

Kris Girrell (@krisgirrell) • Instagram photo

Emotions, Trauma and Recovery

Tomorrow marks one week since the inferno swept through southwest Maui and the beautiful city of Lahaina. Tomorrow also is the launch of my newest book, Learning To Feel.

Right/Wrong Thinking Kills

Right-Wrong Dualism There seems to be a belief structure, internalized by many in our country, that there is a distinct division between right and wrong. It is a primitive tribal belief and one of...

April is Stress Awareness Month

Stress is not an emotion! It is a cognitive/mental condition that results from having fewer coping skills than your current condition requires. But stress can be a result of not understanding your...

Why I Wrote Learning To Feel

The discussion in our men’s group got around to feelings one night – mostly those of anger and rage – when Colin piped up. Colin is a big strong guy, especially endowed with upper body strength like...

Gratitude and Generosity

Welcome Thanksgiving – it is my favorite holiday of the year because until recently, it has survived as the least commercialized of them all. Of course Black Friday and the other sales are now...

Who Will We Select?

What’s wrong with this picture? I am bombarded every day with politically charged ads that pretend to be soliciting my opinion, only to find at the bottom of each page a request for more money. Money...

#hiring | Kris Girrell

I’m #hiring. Know anyone who might be interested? Come enjoy the best work environment of any preschool. We take care of and support all of our teachers. NAEYC accredited school. The Goddard School...