Atlas of the Heart {A Book a Day 6}
Have you read any Brené Brown books? Three of my favorites are Daring Greatly, The Gifts of Imperfection, and Braving the Wilderness. They’re all great in my opinion.
But her latest book, Atlas of the Heart, is a little different. Yet still wonderful.
While Atlas of the Heart contains signature stories and insights like Brené’s other books, this one has the vibe and beauty of a coffee table reference book.
In it, Brené Brown maps out 87 emotions that we all experience (thus the title, Atlas of the Heart).
For example, how do you differentiate between envy and jealousy? Between wonder and awe? Between curiosity and interest?
The way we label our emotions can influence how we experience our lives.
My book club is currently reading through the Robin Reads Workbook for Atlas of the Heart. It’s great as a stand-alone book itself if you want to read just it (it’s also much shorter and cheaper than Atlas of the Heart). The workbook is providing lots of great questions and stirring up some interesting conversations in our group.
Here are some sample questions from the workbook—based on the actual book—to consider for yourself or to talk over with a friend:
1. Have you ever chosen not to take a risk to avoid disappointment?
2. Can you think of a time when you felt overwhelmed? How did you cope (or not cope) with this feeling?
3. When was the last time you felt awe or wonder?
4. Can you think of a time when you feel especially resentful toward someone?
5. Does learning about vulnerability as courage change your opinion on it?
The greater your ability to talk about your emotions, the greater your courage in wholehearted living.
Quotes from Atlas of the Heart
“The brokenhearted are the bravest among us—they dared to love.”
~ * ~
“Empathy is a tool of compassion. We can respond empathically only if we are willing to be present to someone’s pain.”
~ * ~
“Where perfectionism exists, shame is always lurking.”
~ * ~
“I’m not sure there’s a braver sentence in the human catalog of brave sentences than ‘My feelings are hurt.’ It’s simple, vulnerable, and honest. But we don’t say it very often.”
~ * ~
“Choosing to be curious is choosing to be vulnerable because it requires us to surrender to uncertainty.”
~ * ~
“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Do you have a favorite Brené Brown book? Have you read Atlas of the Heart? Share your thoughts in the comments.
You are on Day #6 of the series, A Book a Day {Nonfiction Favorites}.
Each day of February 2023 I’ll be recommending one book a day from my favorite nonfiction books.
The Table of Contents for all 28 books is here, updated daily.
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“Tomorrow Will Be Different” {Book 5}
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“Curveball” {Book 7}
Another one I’d love to read. Thanks, Lisa!
Love these two: “The brokenhearted are the bravest among us—they dared to love.”
“Empathy is a tool of compassion. We can respond empathically only if we are willing to be present to someone’s pain.” How we need more empathy in this dark, cold world.
I’d really have to think about this one, and perhaps read it in context: “I’m not sure there’s a braver sentence in the human catalog of brave sentences than ‘My feelings are hurt.’ It’s simple, vulnerable, and honest. But we don’t say it very often.” I’ve known people to use this as a constant excuse to take offense at any little thing said to or done to them (from their near paranoic perspective). I have witnessed this especially in my family–this kind of hypersensitivity over what is perceived to be the least little slight, as an excuse for misunderstanding, unwillingness to talk openly and correct any real offense, judgementalism and slander. Sometimes I think the only offense I want to understand (beyond something I truly have done that deserves my apology, whether I intended it or not), is that which was leveled at Christ, and then to consider how He reacted. Again, though, I’ve not read the book. Love mapping, and this will be an interesting read. Thanks, Miss Lisa!
xo
Lynn
Defintely read Brene Browns books. I have this one and have used it as a reference – I am an enneagram 3 -one who doesn’t name or express emotions well. This book quickly helps me name them and gain insight. For example, last week I experienced rejection which she categorizes under heartbreak. That helped me express it better. Great selection for your month long list.
“The brokenhearted are the bravest among us—they dared to love.”
I’ve started reading Daring Greatly as part of my Spiritual Direction training. I had never read anything by Brown before, but I already know I’m going to seek out more of her books. These are incredibly important thoughts, in a time when our resistance to vulnerability and uncertainty is threatening to destroy us. We’ve got to find a new way to deal with our emotions, and this “atlas” could be a helpful tool on that path.
That sounds right up my alley! Putting it on my to be read list right now!
This sounds like a great book. I’d heard about it a while ago but I’d forgotten so I appreciate this reminder!
Both the Robin Reeds and the full book by Brene Brown sound good, Lisa.