The issue at stake is illustrated by the use of a potato. The potato represents an idea of right-versus-wrong, or a concept of justice/injustice that is within you. When something happens that you believe is wrong, your negative emotions alert you to let you know something is going on that needs your attention. You may feel frustrated, hurt, fearful, angry, etc.
The crucial event within you now takes place. You may not like the feeling of anger or negative emotions. You may believe it is wrong to feel negative emotions or anger. This kind of response to the fact of your emotions puts you at risk of relating with your emotions as if they are wrong; in essence, you live as though your emotions are the potato. When you respond to your emotions this way, you make yourself out to be a potato, because your emotions are part of the reality of who you are. Alternatively, you may believe that the person who is “making you mad” is responsible for you feeling emotions you do not like, and so you address that person as if they are the potato. This is the basis of the destructive mindset, and the way you deal with situations is to resort to the use of power in a “me versus you” mindset of dealing with issues.The constructive mindset is formed in concert with allowing yourself to feel your negative emotions. You do not have to like negative emotions, but you do not have to be afraid of them. Learn to let yourself feel, because your emotions are telling you something. Relate with your emotions as if they are your friend; your emotions alert you to issues of justice that are being presented to you. In essence, you are aware of what issue of justice the potato represents. When you, along with your emotions, relate to justice in this way, you become free to relate with others as though they are “in this together” with you. You do not relate with others in a “me versus you” mindset, but rather in the constructive “in this together” mindset. You become free to discern when and what to communicate, regarding the issues of justice that affect you and those you are in contact with. You become free to relate with others with a sense of unity.
When you understand your thoughts and emotions constructively, you are free to live with confidence, dignity, and respect. You respect yourself and you respect others. You learn to live within the balance of loving relationships, including loving yourself, others, nature, your job, etc.
The healthy, hopeful, and positive perspective of the constructive mindset is implied in most if not all art forms that explore the challenges of life. When you read a good book, see a spectacular movie, or are blown away by an amazing piece of music, your thoughts and emotions tune in to the stories of people, providing a relationship connection. When you understand your relationships constructively, you are free to find peace, to learn, and to be creative.
The destructive mindset, in contrast, puts you out of balance with yourself and others, with the tragic consequences of affecting your inner peace, health and peace with other communities or nations.
My hope is to illustrate what the constructive mindset is, what it looks like in action, and how it enhances human capacity for fulfillment and unity. As far as resources produced by Edmonton Emoti-Games Ltd., so far the book “Put Your Potatoes on the Desktop” and the board game “FC Strategy®” serve to support the goals of the company.