Lesson 1
Affectionate Angelfish
Our first lesson is about affection and treating people with kindness. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional” by Sarahndipity Johnsen, M.Ed. (me), and then a short discussion on how to properly share affection. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to ask for help. The lesson ends with an invitation to start a journal and ideas about how to speak with someone else about this emotion. This lesson may leave you feeling warm and snuggly.
In lesson two, we will discuss boredom.
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Lesson 2
Bored Boar
Our second class is about boredom and what to do when you are feeling uninterested in what is in front of you. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on what to do when you are feeling bored. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to breathe. The class ends with journal ideas. Hopefully, you will finish this segment with feelings of curiosity and relief.
In lesson three, we will discuss confusion.
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Lesson 3
Confused Camel
Our third class is about confusion and what to do when you are feeling jumbled and mixed up. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on what to do when you are feeling confused or perplexed. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to count to ten. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling confident and resourced.
In lesson four, we will discuss a harder emotion called depression. I provide support for this emotion and understand that it might be triggering to some people. You are not alone. We are in this together.
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Lesson 4
Depressed Dolphin
Our fourth class is about depression and what to do when you are sad or stuck. I handle this topic with reverence and also understand that this emotion can be triggering. If you do need additional resources and support, please visit Crisis Support on Insight Timer for a detailed list of resources that offer immediate help. I am also available as a guide. Thanks for understanding that this course is not a substitute for professional help, and there are no scientific claims associated within.
To help support this topic there is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on what to do when you are feeling gloomy. I talk at length about how important it is to talk to someone about this big feeling. Talking about our feelings is one of the best tools for successfully handling them. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to detach and describe. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling resourced, loved, and supported. You are not alone. We are in this together.
In lesson five, we will discuss excitement.
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Lesson 5
Excited Elk
Our fifth class is about excitement. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on how to identify and embrace this emotion. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to express gratitude. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling energized and vibrant.
In lesson six, we will discuss frustration.
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Lesson 6
Frustrated Fox
Our sixth lesson is about frustration and disappointment. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on how to recognize and properly handle feelings of frustration. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is forgiveness. As always, I suggest speaking with someone else about this emotion if you need further assistance. This lesson will hopefully leave you feeling free from frustration and able to see the other side of things.
In lesson seven, we will discuss guilt.
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Lesson 7
Guilty Gecko
Our seventh class is about guilt and what to do when a bad choice has been made. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on how to own up to bad choices and admit when a mistake has been made. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to grin from within. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling free and expressive.
In lesson eight, we will discuss happiness.
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Lesson 8
Happy Hedgehogs
Our eighth class is about happiness and being content in the present moment. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on gratitude and living in the moment. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to hang with friends and family. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling present, gratitude, and carefree.
In lesson nine, we will discuss infatuation.
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Lesson 9
Infatuated Indri
Our ninth class is about infatuation and understanding why we feel drawn to some people and not others. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on developing friendships with people we connect with. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to invite ideas. At the end of the class, there is time to write in your journal. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling curious and fluid.
In lesson ten, we will discuss jealousy.
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Lesson 10
Jealous Jackal
Our tenth class is about jealousy and wanting what other people have. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on celebrating other’s successes and looking for positive ways to gain attention. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to joke. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling positive and calm.
In lesson eleven, we will discuss kindness.
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Lesson 11
Kind-Hearted Killer Whale
Our eleventh class is about kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on being friendly and kind to ourselves, other people, nature, and animals. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to know yourself and your unique qualities. At the end of the class, there is time to write in your journal. Hopefully, you will finish this segment knowing how to show compassion and kindness.
In lesson twelve, we will discuss love.
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Lesson 12
Loving Lizards
Our twelfth class is about love and devotion. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion about brining unity to community and helping others without being asked. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to laugh. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling loving toward yourself and others.
In lesson thirteen, we will discuss a harder emotion called melancholy. I provide support for this emotion and understand that it might not be the easiest emotion to discuss. I do believe that the more we discuss our big feelings, the more we realize that we are not alone in feeling them. You are not alone. We are in this together.
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Lesson 13
Melancholy Moose
Our thirteenth class is about melancholy and what to do when you are sad or low. I handle this topic with grace and also understand that this emotion can be triggering. If you do need additional resources and support, please visit Crisis Support on Insight Timer for a detailed list of resources that offer immediate help. I am also available as a guide. This course is not a substitute for professional help and there are no scientific claims associated within.
To help support this topic there is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on what to do when you are feeling sad and dark. I talk at length about how important it is to talk to someone about this hard feeling. Talking about our feelings is one of the best tools for successfully handling them, and there is guidance at the end to do just that. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to meditate. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling supported, loved, and resourced. You are not alone. We are definitely in this together.
In lesson fourteen, we will discuss neglect and the feeling of being left out.
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Lesson 14
Neglected Nile Crocodile
Our fourteenth class is about neglect and what to do when we feel left out or ignored. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on how to be your own best friend. I discuss if you are feeling uncared for that it is important to tell someone you trust. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to nap and rest. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling resourced and empowered to be your own best friend.
In lesson fifteen, we will discuss optimism.
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Lesson 15
Optimistic Ostrich
Our fifteenth class is about optimism and having a positive point-of-view. There is a reading from the book, “Animals Get Emotional”, and then a short discussion on dreaming big and seeing the brighter side of life. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to observe. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling positive, hopeful, and light.
In lesson sixteen, we will discuss optimism’s opposite, pessimism.
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Lesson 16
Pessimistic Platypus
Our sixteenth class is about pessimism and having a negative outlook. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then, there is a short discussion on how thoughts make things and how to shift your view when you are feeling negative. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to play. Hopefully, you will finish this segment with tools to think positively and see the greater possibilities.
In lesson seventeen, we will discuss the benefits of being still and quiet.
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Lesson 17
Quiet Quoll
Our seventeenth class is about quiet and stillness. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a short discussion on the importance of taking time daily for silence, peace, and stillness. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to quiet and calm. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling relaxed and balanced.
In lesson eighteen, we will discuss relief.
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Lesson 18
Relieved Rattlesnake
Our eighteenth class is about relief. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a brief discussion on how to relieve tension, worry, and anxiety. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to release. There is a guided practice for constricting the body and releasing tension with breath work. Hopefully, you will finish this segment resourced to restore wellbeing and shake off tension.
In lesson nineteen, we will discuss surprise.
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Lesson 19
Surprised Seal
Our nineteenth class is about surprise. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a brief discussion about feelings of wonder and astonishment. The Tools for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson are to sing or hum. There is a guided practice where we hum together and shift the energy in our bodies. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling curious and carefree.
In lesson twenty, we will discuss tiredness.
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Lesson 20
Tired Tiger
Our twentieth class is about tiredness. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a brief discussion about how to recognize when you need to slow down and rest. The Tools for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson are to tap or twitch. Hopefully, you will finish this segment with ideas on how to stop, rest, and unwind.
In lesson twenty-one, we will discuss feelings of unhappiness.
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Lesson 21
Unhappy Urchin
Our twenty-first class is about unhappiness. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a brief discussion about how to recognize if you are feeling angry, tired, lonely, or hungry. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to use your words. I highlight the importance of connecting with someone and telling them how you are feeling. Hopefully, you will finish this segment with solutions to find ease and comfort.
In lesson twenty-two, we will discuss physical force and not being aggressive toward anyone.
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Lesson 22
Violent Vervet Monkeys
Our twenty-second class is about physical force. I handle this topic with reverence and also understand that this topic can be triggering. If you do need additional resources and support, please visit Crisis Support on Insight Timer for a detailed list of resources that offer immediate help. I am also available as a guide. Thanks for understanding that this course is not a substitute for professional help, and there are no scientific claims associated within. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a brief discussion about not kicking, hitting, or biting. I give options for what to do when energy is high instead of using physical force or violence. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to visualize a solution. I highlight the importance of releasing energy in a positive and productive way. Hopefully, you will finish this segment knowing it is better to use your words, visualize a solution, and how to use wild energy appropriately.
In lesson twenty-three, we will discuss worry.
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Lesson 23
Worried Walrus
Our twenty-third class is about worry. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a brief discussion about fear and handling change. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to wiggle. I highlight the importance of talking with someone and telling them how you are feeling. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling grateful, safe, and relaxed.
In lesson twenty-four, we will discuss unconditional love, kisses, and hugs.
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Lesson 24
XOXO Xixiasaurus
Our twenty-fourth class is about unconditional love, hugs, and kisses. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a discussion about who is appropriate to share hugs and kisses with if we’d like. We also discuss unconditional love. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to exercise. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling loved and supported.
In lesson twenty-five, we will discuss yearning.
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Lesson 25
Yearning Yellow Baboon
Our twenty-fifth class is about yearning. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a quick discussion about longing and the feeling of wanting what we do not have. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to yield. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling resourced and focused on feeling grateful for what you do have.
In our final lesson, twenty-six, we will discuss zaniness.
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Lesson 26
Zany Zebu
Our final class is about zaniness. There is a reading from the book “Animals Get Emotional”. Then there is a quick discussion about what to do when you are feeling wild, silly, and wacky. The Tool for Emotional Wellbeing in this lesson is to zoom in to get a better picture. Hopefully, you will finish this segment feeling creative, playful, and childlike.
Thank you so much for completing this course. It is my true hope and intention that you found great value in these Tools for Emotional Wellbeing. You are love. You are loved!
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