Introducing The 25 EI Mindful Runes
A bright new way to strengthen your Emotional Intelligence [EI] for a healthy purposeful life
How well are you coping in these pandemic-ridden climate-change years? Is the uncertainty of it all getting to you? The fact is that nobody has a certain future; uncertainty is the breath that keeps life interesting. Change happens — everything in the universe is in a constant state of flux. And your life is no exception.
Contrarily, although impossible, there’s an enduring human desire for certainty and permanence. The very familiarity of the status quo, however difficult, often seems easier to live with than adjusting current habits and lifestyles. Yet, looked at from a fresh perspective, today’s societal and environmental upheavals, really do present you with opportunities for making ‘changes on purpose’. Perhaps, right now is actually an ideal time to make better choices about the way you live, work, connect with others and interact with planet earth. Does this potential for a personal makeover appeal to you?
If so, here’s a chance to explore a fresh approach to optimal health, coupled with a sense of purpose, by using your Emotional Intelligence (EI). As the award-winning author Professor Yoval Noah Harari asserts in Homo Deus, Emotional Intelligence is an essential resource for 21st century flourishing.
Learn how to flourish through self-exploration
My 1st message is: “The course of your life depends on the choices you make. Mindful choices enable you to serve your purpose in a healthy appreciative way.”
The 25 Mindful Runes are a novel 21st Century resource in tune with today’s 24/7 AI lifestyles. The runes offer supportive signposts as to how you can choose healthy thinking and physical activity in ways which are totally compatible with your personality, circumstances and aspirations. You get to try out and sustain specific practical habits which will last a lifetime.
Each of the Mindful Runes represents a facet of your Emotional Intelligence: (1) Potential; (2) Connection; (3) Self-Knowledge; (4) Habit; (5) Willpower; (6) Health; (7) Creativity; (8) Belief; (9) Vocation; (10) Confidence; (11) Process; (12) Learning; (13) Acceptance; (14) Resource; (15) Elimination; (16) Freedom; (17) Aspiration; (18) Relationship; (19) Inspiration; (20) Playfulness; (21) Adventure; (22) Kindness; (23) Gratitude; (24) Protection; (25) Mindfulness.
My 2nd message is: “envisage your truly astonishing self — you are a unique and beautiful person — think and act accordingly by using your Emotional Intelligence”.
Let’s begin with 5 key concepts
Runes: our ancient ancestors inscribed simple symbols onto various surfaces [wood, stone, bone] and used these ‘Runes’ as a divination device. The Rune Interpreter [a shaman] foretold ways to survive and prosper in what were often hostile environments. Even today, people still consult unempirical mediums viz Tarot Cards, Astrology and Palmistry etc. What then of rational guidance in these times of monumental change? The science-based 25 Mindful Runes act as an Emotional Intelligence [EI] incentive to enable meaningful self-discovery. They reflect the issues and challenges of contemporary lifestyles and aspirations, encouraging attentive awareness and emotional ease around the choices you make in support of your health and well-being.
Emotional Intelligence [EI]: the ability to recognise your emotional feelings and motives; the power to control your emotions and expressive actions; the capacity for empathy and understanding for the feelings of others and being able to build healthy relationships as you connect with people. These human qualities involve inherited and learnable traits which means you can develop your EI throughout your lifetime and constantly grow in understanding. Using your EI to the full is a potent way to cope well in our frenetic 24/7 high-tech world. It is vital for both your personal and professional success.
Emotional Resilience: the ability to respond well and adapt well to unforeseen crises and unintended consequences — always expect the unexpected. Having one or two close trustworthy friends, or other appropriate support networks, helps to reinforce your resilience during challenging times. Nelson Mandela related perfectly to resilience: “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Mindful Awareness: the state of being a fully attentive non-judgmental observer of your thoughts and emotional feelings as they arise in the present moment. Thoughts need attention to survive so choose not to give stressful thoughts your attention — be mindfully aware of them, label them and let them go. This allows you to release the emotional burden of attaching feelings [with attendant stress hormones] to your thoughts. Through training your mind in thought control, it becomes an enduring habit — an ever-present way of thinking and being which transcends both pleasure and pain, conveying spirited equanimity.
Equanimity: the state of being calm, stable and composed, especially when exposed to stressful experiences with the potential to upset the balance of your mind. This balanced way of being is the antidote to tension, anxiety and stress. As Carl Jung reminds us: “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.” We can choose to meet life’s difficulties with destructive fear, anger and worry or we can radiate calm composure which supports a constructive approach to acceptance of ‘what is’.
What sort of beliefs and habits can the runes help me with?
The following sample list is not absolute — it gives you an idea of the sort of choices-for-change which the rune guidance might throw up.
The 1st default choice is an existing habit which it is within your power to exchange for the 2nd emotionally healthy choice. Which ones speak to you?
- unhealthy eating changes to relishing wholesome food and drink
- weight issue worries fade as mind-body health habits take over
- couch potato lifestyle morphs into daily exercise enjoyment
- ‘can’t-do’ mindset transforms into a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
- negative body image is overcome by head-high walk-tall poise
- stressful feelings are addressed and managed for calm composure
- shallow breathing is replaced by in-and-out full lung capacity
- coerced to say ‘yes’ is acknowledged as a chance to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’
- harmful habits are recognised and discarded for helpful ones
- limiting anxiety is challenged to become enabling confidence
- relationship disharmony is converted to mutual understanding
- procrastination delay reframes as managing first-step tasks
- perfectionist tendencies modify into celebrate ‘doing my best’
- self-sabotage doubts left behind as reassuring beliefs take over
- irresistible cravings are seen off as resilient willpower strengthens
- financial problems are reconfigured into practical budgeting
- follow the crowd or take a calculated risk to tread the unknown path
- hidden skills and talents are uncovered and shine to inspire others
- downtrodden demeanour is left behind for playfulness on purpose
- careless consumerism is negated as sustainable living is adopted
- toxic emotional atmosphere recast as flourishing feeling ambience
- repressing my true self is unchained so I’m free to be me
ACTION 1: identify a default choice you would like to change.
ACTION 2: aim to understand how you currently respond emotionally with regard to your existing habit or belief. Then, with the help of insights gleaned from your chosen Mindful Runes, you work on strengthening your Emotional Intelligence to make healthy purposeful choices from now on.
Beginner’s mind and conscious awareness
Before we get into the detail of each of the Mindful Runes, please ‘allow’ yourself to start with a ‘beginner’s mind’: by this I mean consciously give your mind permission to be free of expectations, fears and worries. This may be easier said than done!
Please be aware that your personal characteristics, your unique upbringing and today’s particular circumstances all affect your thoughts and capability for ‘wise-choices’. In addition, there may be other persuading factors which often fall below the level of conscious awareness.
A few sample subtle influencers are:
- previous ‘buried’ distressing experiences;
- being swayed by other people’s opinions and comments;
- the need to feel part of a tribe with like-minded views;
- the way options are presented — nudged or directed by authority, prejudiced social media; a choice of 2 or 3 when none is really suitable for you; too much choice which can cause anxiety and confusion;
- ingrained habits of which you’re unaware;
- when you’re ill, hungry, cold or sleep deprived.
What can I bring out of my mental store cupboard?
With your best efforts to experience beginner’s mind, everything you want to probe can be laid upon your table: e.g. the way you think and act — at work, in relationships, your eating/drinking habits, your daily movement/exercise, what motivates you, your ability to handle stressful situations and how you show respect for yourself.
Question yourself for practical solutions and silver linings
“We can judge our progress by the courage of our questions and the depth of our answers, our willingness to embrace what is true rather than what feels good.” Carl Sagan.
You can decide on practical solutions for moving from existing habit choices, which no longer serve your purpose, to life-enhancing resolutions. Besides a lesson in Emotional Intelligence, every challenging experience you endure has within it a silver lining which becomes a motivating factor for personal growth. It’s up to you to recognise and claim your silver linings and your newfound understanding — then ‘walk the talk’ and spread the word.
Consulting the EI Mindful Runes
There are 25 Mindful Runes with corresponding icons. Each rune is named after an essential attribute of Emotional Intelligence, representing practical aspects of human bioscience, psychology, Buddhist philosophy and, intuitively, your common sense!
The interpretive guidance takes a personal learning approach. This kind of self-discovery is said to be heuristic: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin.
To gain the most from your rune reading, I recommend engaging with physical objects e.g. inscribed pebbles, wooden blocks, resin tablets or cards which you can make yourself. Touching a 3D object is a stimulating way to be ‘fully involved’ as you develop your Emotional Intelligence.
The runes can be consulted either by deliberate selection or random choice. You’ll find a brief summary of each rune below, but please delve deeper via the Mindful Runes website interpretations where each rune is fully explained. Alternatively, please email Anna with your questions. The Mindful Runes booklet and inscribed pebble runes are also available on request.
The 25 Mindful Runes Summary
As mentioned above all 25 EI attributes are fully interpreted on the website.
1. POTENTIAL — your ability key
Unlock success, wherever you focus your mind, skills and expertise. Rather than material things, success is a measure of purposeful achievements that enhance your emotional well-being, plus activities through which you help others and the environment.
2. CONNECTION — linked hubs
Maintain mutually beneficial links with family, friends, colleagues and community to experience gleeful social integration. Likewise, meaningful connections to the environments you inhabit — outside in nature, inside your home or workplace — your emotional experience of these places can significantly affect your quality of life.
3. SELF-KNOWLEDGE — your inner eye
Search inside your mind and notice personality traits, learned behaviours, stress triggers: who or what presses your buttons, any perfectionist tendencies? Picture your coping mechanisms and see where improvements can be made. Understanding yourself is a life-time work of art.
4. HABIT — repeating circles
Recognise your ingrained habits going around in closed repetitive cycles — some emotionally hindering, some helpful. You have the power to decide which habits need to go. Bravely free yourself of their stranglehold and introduce stimulating new experiences.
5. WILLPOWER — challenging hurdle
Clear life’s hurdles with courageous self-discipline and persistent effort. Be conscientious about personal responsibility for your choices to function effectively in ever-changing circumstances. Say the maxim aloud: ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’.
6. HEALTH — energy of the sun
If it is within your gift, take full responsibility for your health by putting only nutritionally good things into your mouth, exercising your body daily, filling your lungs with fresh air, getting enough sleep, being a thoughtful kind person, and laughing often.
7. CREATIVITY — little acorn
Thinking and acting creatively is the emotionally healthy way to grow your life, especially if you are dealing with unresolved issues. By developing your creative skills, you will experience a great sense of accomplishment and enormous emotional delight.
8. BELIEF — question mark
Are your long-standing beliefs and value judgements, both rational and irrational, still serving your purpose? From beliefs about yourself, to faith in a deity, to questioning the very nature of the universe and your place in it — where do you stand?
9. VOCATION- your life scales
Steady the scales — poised equilibrium offsets pressures such as overwork or unemployment, online 24/7 culture, too many voluntary activities, caring-role demands etc. Unchecked stress can lead to medical disorders — it is essential to achieve a healthy balance.
10. CONFIDENCE — beautiful flower
Bring forth your ability to subdue anxiety around others, to remain calm in awkward situations and to take on challenging projects. Your confidence grows as you learn how to relax your breathing, find your own unique voice, accept help from a trusty source, collaborate with colleagues, risk something new and bravely be yourself.
11. PROCESS — open pie chart
Engage the emotional feel-good factor that comes with achievement by developing efficient coping skills without the demon perfectionism. Avoid procrastination and stress by managing tasks in ‘doable’ compartments while always allowing for flexibility.
12. LEARNING — the tree of knowledge
You grow in wisdom by being ever curious and keen to learn at every stage of life. Stretching your mind — being open to new ideas — is a key feature of EI. There are so many ways to acquire and enjoy knowledge — make sure you do choose at least one or two.
13. ACCEPTANCE — a positive tick
You can’t change the past so choose to accept ‘what is’ — the true situation. Refuse to carry the emotional burden of previous worries around with you. Find the silver linings as a way to heal old wounds and move forward in a rational frame of mind.
14. RESOURCE — the golden goblet
Your emotional resilience around finances, property, material possessions and natural resources all require inspection, plus your resourcefulness for generating appropriate income. What are your real needs? It is vital to acknowledge what is enough for you to live a happy healthy contented life.
15. ELIMINATION — trash can
Discard prejudiced assumptions, hindering thoughts, stressful situations, physical addictions, wasteful habits, junk foods, unnecessary possessions, people or things that no longer serve your purpose. Experience the truly healing effects of elimination.
16. FREEDOM — fly your flag
Allow your authentic character to manifest. Control freaks, bullies, unreasonably-demanding bosses, idle gossipers, emotionally-draining individuals, hindering doubts and worries — leave them all behind. Just remember to set healthy boundaries for splendid liberation.
17. ASPIRATION — your dream crown
Acknowledge your hopes, aims and ambitions, even your wildest dreams. Develop a clear vision of ‘what might be’ and ‘what can be’, devoid of grandiose expectations. Whatever you seek to be or to do, enthusiastically bring it into being. You are never too old to aspire!
18. RELATIONSHIP — loving heart
To be in loving harmony with others is life-enhancing, while damaging unions may need to be culled or reframed with compassion. Ensure your closest relationships are well-tended with loyal commitment to those who are truly loved and respected by you and you by them.
19. INSPIRATION — light your candles
Identify the people who are your worthy role models. Ask what stimulates your ingenuity –helpful books, uplifting movies, social debate, online tutoring etc? Can you, in turn, spread the light by setting an inspiring example for others to follow? Yes — you can!
20. PLAYFULNESS — fun of children
Have you repressed your jovial childlike nature while the serious aspects of daily life dominate? Witness the magic of make-believe as young children learn to navigate the world. Your own light-hearted child is always there waiting for the fun to begin.
21. ADVENTURE — open spiral
Be prepared to take a risk on change of some sort; doing something new or something familiar differently, travel in a physical sense, travel in your mind. Life can become stale without adventure, so seize opportunities for spontaneity and exploration.
22. KINDNESS — generous gift
Give yourself and other people the unconditional presents of kindness and consideration, compassion and empathy, your time and attention. See how your generosity changes the life of another. Being kind, nice and generous is simple — try it every day.
23. GRATITUDE — sparkly diamond
To express thanks is a positive pleasure which counteracts tendencies to dwell on personal misfortune or the depressing news of others. Show appreciation by frequently counting your blessings and feel genuine life-cherishing delight for others. Radiate your gratitude.
24. PROTECTION — your shield
Safeguard your emotional well-being by taking appropriate precautions when faced with obstacles. Ensure your thoughts, feelings and actions are free from malign influences or self-sabotage from your own doubts and fears. Maintain a safety shield to feel securely serene.
25. MINDFULNESS — awareness without attachment
Train your busy mind to observe thoughts and feelings as they arise and learn to let them go. Thoughts need attention to survive — so turn off your attention. Focus on your out breath, a mantra or simply rest in the moment — lay the foundations for equanimity.
“The course of your life depends on the choices you make. Mindful choices enable you to serve your purpose in a healthy appreciative way.”
Promise yourself to be emotionally smart
By ‘mindfully’ engaging with your Emotional Intelligence — every single moment of every single day — you face the world with a ‘can-do’ attitude, you plan with purpose devoid of expectations, you’re mentally better equipped to deal with life’s ups and downs, and you may well inspire others who want to know your secret!
Being emotionally smart is also the №1 stress reliever. It enables you to deal successfully with stressful situations as they arise — you nip problems in the bud. You refuse to ‘allow’ damaging stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, to circulate long-term within your brain and body, which can result in chronic ill-health and hindering behaviour.
Instead, you develop healthy habits through mindful awareness, critical thinking, diet, exercise and attention to interpersonal relationships. These habits encourage ‘feel-good’ hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and ephedrine to flow freely — laugh more, play more, be your fun self.
My 3rd and final message is: “by using your Emotional Intelligence, you gain the personal power to live more healthily, to flourish contently and to serve others with kindness, respect, and love.”
About the Author Anna Cherry
BSc. Psychology [Bristol]; Dip. Holistic Design; author of The Habitat Affect. Anna is an EI Health Coach encouraging the use of Emotional Intelligence and Mindful Awareness whatever life’s ups and downs. With robust sustained EI habits, clients ‘allow’ themselves to create radiant mental and physical health, accompanied by a dynamic sense of purpose.
