In this special sneak peek of the upcoming HBO Max series Atlas of the Heart (based on the book of the same name), social researcher, TED Talk celebrity, and all-around incredible human being Brené Brown takes center stage to discuss what she knows best: emotions. Using film and TV clips to aid in the process, Brené’s thesis statement in this new series is to identify and name the 30 emotions we routinely feel in our lifetime.
“We are emotional beings rather than thinking beings,” she states–evidenced by the fact that we neurologically process emotional pain the same as physical. We can feel many things at once, but putting a singular name to those feelings proves more difficult in practice. Asking her intimate live audience how many emotions they can name, the median number falls around 5. However, there are 30 identifiable emotions that Brené sets out to define, and not all emotions are equal.
As Brown goes on to say, language is the portal to correctly identifying how we’re feeling. Once we master this, we’ll have the ability to better connect with ourselves and, in turn, each other. One of the most fascinating segments within this first episode is the study of the word “anguish.” Anguish, although sometimes felt concurrently with sadness, is not the same emotion as sadness. Brené uses various forms of mixed media to illustrate how anguish is interpreted by artists, poets, and educators, further proving that anguish is as interchangeable to sad as hot is to cold. It’s not.
Another moment that really makes you think is Brené’s distinction between “awe” and “wonder.” Sharing iconic moments from Disney’s Coco, The Wizard of Oz, Gravity, E.T., and Forrest Gump, among others, Brené points out the subtle yet paramount difference between the two emotions. Boiled down, “awe” equals observational, “wonder” equals curiosity.
Brené’s natural charm and charisma make this short 40-minute episode a breeze to get through. Similar to a TED Talk, she shares her discovery in front of a small audience, encouraging them to share their thoughts about the research along the way. This engaging format seamlessly translates from the stage, even watching from home I couldn’t help but feel compelled to answer Brené’s calls.
Fans of Brown’s will be thrilled to know that Atlas of the Heart is a continuation of her beloved and respected findings on how emotions play a role in society. In watching this series, even just one episode, you will come away having learned something truly useful that offers a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you.
