TRAINING FORMEES TO MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS

Carmelite Method or Detachment Technique

Abstract

We are often victims of the destructive effects of the uncontrolled emotional outbursts of ourselves as well as that of others. Most of the human tragedies happen not due to the lack of rational intelligence (RI) but due to the lack of emotional intelligence (EI). Therefore, there are many who consider ‘emotional intelligence’ a more fundamental survival requirement than ‘rational intelligence’. Hence, the interest in IQ (Intelligence quotient), which in fact cannot be altered substantially through training, is now slowly giving way to EQ (Emotional quotient), which is susceptible to alteration and open to improvement. In the field of formation both RI and EI are not only vital ingredients but they are also considered as prerequisites for initiating formees into spiritual intelligence (SI) as well as mystical intelligence (MI). This paper is an attempt to understand and analyse the origin and purpose of emotions and to suggest a procedure (namely, Carmelite Method or Detachment Technique, which can effectively be employed) to bring emotions and feelings under control. Human beings, being both rational and emotional, any method that fails to address both these faculties are destined to fall short in the long run. Formation is the outcome of awareness as well as action. Awareness without action and action without awareness are both futile and sterile. Carmelite method takes into account both the rational as well as the volitional aspects of human beings.

Carmelite Method can be summarized into a single word: Detachment. It can be subdivided into three: 1. Sitting (physical detachment or relaxation). 2. Applying Thought (cognitive detachment or rational analysis and identification of the assumptions that led to the present state of mind by means of deconstruction method and challenging their veracity). and 3. Applying ‘Detachment Technique’ (Emotional detachment by means of an absolute trust and confidence in the divine providence).