A Conversation With Brian Anderson
Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?
By integrating SEL and EQ early into the lives of students, particularly related to skills of self-awareness, students can learn to overcome difficulties much more quickly. Not only will this lead to a more enjoyable schooling experience, but students will then be in a better state of mind more consistently, so they will be able to learn more in school and will be more likely to develop positive habits. The early development of these skills will lead to a lifetime of greater self-worth, and thus a lifetime of increased happiness and fulfillment.
Do you have any personal anecdotes about how SEL/EQ has brought you success in your
personal life/career?
By practicing these SEL/EQ skills in my own life on a daily basis, I’m fortunate in that I get past difficult situations very quickly. I recognize in the moment that – even though cortisol and adrenaline will likely be active in my body right after the stressful event occurs – those stress chemicals will quickly wash away and then it is my choice as to how respond. I then promptly move into a very broad perspective as to how that particular situation really isn’t that important in the big picture relative to everything that I am.
What do you believe to be one or two of the main challenges in education (K-8) today?
One of the main challenges is that we are socially conditioned to live our moment-to-moment lives through the prisms of ego, worthiness, and fear.
Conversely, what do you believe to be one or two of the biggest opportunities in education (K-8) today?
To help students to know the antidotes for issues related to ego, worthiness, and fear! For ego, it is realizing that we share infinite connection. For worthiness, it is knowing that we have infinite value. For fear, it is realizing that, in the really big picture, we are eternal and therefore invincible.
What is the VALUE of an EQ Summit? An array of EQ/ SEL on-demand workshops? and or A summit that brings together parents and educators.?
An on-demand Summit of EQ/SEL workshops creates an opportunity for parents and educators to gain leading edge knowledge and skills that can positively transform generations of current and future students by providing life-changing content that has never before been so easily accessible.