1. © Six Seconds The Reaction Cycle EQ Fundamentals Author: Joshua Freedman V7-08

2. © Six Seconds Maladaptive Adaptive Arousal Reaction stressor Source: Tom Wojick from Harvard Mind/Body Medical Institute Stress Responses

3. © Six Seconds Escalator

4. © Six Seconds Under the Gun The emotional system is all about safety. When you perceive threat, your body goes into survival mode. Survival is hard-wired

5. © Six Seconds Reaction Cycle

6. © Six Seconds Metaphor..

7. © Six Seconds Set-Up Features Thoughts He’s defying me I can’t solve it Feelings Frustration, Disrespect Helpless, Fear Actions Lack of sleep Caffeine, junk food

8. © Six Seconds Interpretation Features Thoughts Memory – is this like previous time? Judgment (e.g. disrespect) Feelings Detect danger – anger, fear Actions Flood of chemicals Increased tension

9. © Six Seconds Output Physical Emotional Cognitive Reaction

10. © Six Seconds Thoughts Forever, Always, Never More judgment Feelings Anger Fear, guilt Actions Fight, Flee, Freeze Cascade of chemicals + cortisol (interferes with seratonin) + adrenalin Escalation Features

11. © Six Seconds Cycle

12. © Six Seconds

14. The Opposite of Reactive

15. © Six Seconds Choice Points

16. © Six Seconds 1. Prevention: State change Notice the warning signs. Make a shift: Breathe Move Reframe Play Appreciate Shifting to Balance 1

17. © Six Seconds 2. Early Intervention: Alternate habits Rehearse new responses Evaluate / change beliefs Be an observer Shifting to Balance 2

18. © Six Seconds 3. De-escalation: Six Second Pause Slow down cycle Reconnect thinking & feeling Distract Reframe Shift emotions Shifting to Balance 3

19. “First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471)