Understanding our emotions can be hard! Many of us have never been taught how to work with our emotions, other than trying to avoid them when they’re unpleasant for us or others. Empathy researcher Karla McLaren teaches us a better way than repression. “All of your emotions are essential to your well-being. Each brings a specific form of intelligence to guide your thoughts and actions,” she writes. With The Language of Emotions Workbook, this innovative teacher offers practical tools and exercises to help you understand the wisdom in your emotions—so you can live with more ease and self-compassion.

This engaging workbook distills the key points of McLaren’s beloved book The Language of Emotions (translated into 11 languages worldwide) into short, accessible exercises. You’ll learn empathic mindfulness practices to connect with your feelings and build better boundaries, including: Getting Grounded and Focused, Defining Your Boundary, Conscious Complaining, Burning Contracts, Rejuvenation, Resourcing, and more.

McLaren offers insights and practices for each of the seventeen emotions—including anger, anxiety, grief, and joy—and shares effective tools for inner inquiry to help you to identify each one’s gifts and engage with them more skillfully. Here is an essential treasury of insights and practices to deepen your emotional awareness and intelligence in every aspect of your life.