Welcome to The Tumbles
It’s Ok to Feel This Way—Know It, Name It, Own It
Our (Together with You) Plan
- Understand The Tumbles story (enough).
- Buy some Tumbles Treasure (merch) and use it with pride and joy.
- Know the expectations of our environments.
- Name our emotions.
- Own our engagement, actions & interactions.
- Share the Tumbles with as many people as possible.
Emotional Paths?
On our journeys, we tend to have a narrow track or path of 'acceptable' names for emotions and emotional behaviours. This emotional ‘pathway’ is pretty narrow and ‘set’ in our patterns of mind and habits of behaviour.
When people move out of the 'acceptable' track (either ‘Down’ or ‘Up’), they tell themselves and each other:
- Buck up / chin up / cheers up
- I’m upset / I’m down / chill down
- Settle, calm down / dial it down a notch
- Keep it together / I’m going to pieces
- I totally lost it / You’re losing it / They lost their way
- Keep on the straight and narrow / Get back on track
.jpg "Emotional Paths?")
Life's Journey, Emotions and The Tumbles
As we navigate our journey, we can become aware of our inner selves.
- We notice our thinking/self-talk through the voice in our head narrating where we are heading, what we should/could/ought to be doing, and how we are being.
- We may notice our bodies—aches, pains, tensions, soreness, strength, balance and energy, etc.
- We tend to be comfortable with both of these and share them with others.
- Occasionally, we may also notice our emotions, which tend to tumble onto our track and join us on the journey. We often ignore, downplay, or even reject them, let alone get curious and explore them by asking: What are these emotions, where do they come from, why have they turned up just now, and what purpose do they serve?
- E-motions are important as they help us use our E- (energy & motivation) for MOTION (actions, interactions or not). Emotions help us navigate, communicate and connect in our contexts, and understand that it is normal at times to stumble, get stuck, strive and even thrive as we continue our journey together.
The Tumbles, with their three eyes, help us see our inner experience of our selves (our intent), our engagement with others (behaviours, words, manner) with others, and the expectations within our contexts of our environments (our impact). Plus, their four fingers give the OK sign, letting us know it is OK to have our emotions. The Tumbles help us build a universal language and ways to get a bit better at understanding and knowing the context, naming the e-motions, and owning our behaviours, words, silence, actions, inaction and interactions.
Know it, Name it, Own it.
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Emotional Awareness-Know it
Pausing to notice what is happening and what is expected in the context, situation, or environment.
Being aware that our e-motions help us navigate through life, and to see that challenges and issues are actually from some things, at some times, and with some people—rather than everything, every time and all people.
Owned by Them
When you are owned by your emotions you tend to think in a certain pattern, act on habits, and say things you don’t mean, or say nothing to others, yet you might say to yourself:
- ‘I’m so frustrated’ / ‘I’m really annoyed!’
In this pattern, you are your emotions, and they have you/you ‘get emotional’.
- I am… My emotions - They have me.
Own Them
When you own your emotions, you can pause, listen to your self-talk, sense your body and energy, notice your actions or inaction/words or silence and see the context/situation and say:
- ‘I’m feeling frustrated — about/because of’
In this pattern, it is OK for you to have your emotions.
- I feel my emotions - I have them
- And it's OK.
Tumbles are Guides Here to Help Us All
The Tumbles are cool guides who can help us all become a little better at using emotional vocabulary and being more flexible. They:
- Are not ‘that’ emotion; rather, know them and help us all navigate with and use them when tumble in.
- Have integrated heads, hearts and bodies, as opposed to people who tend to ‘think, feel and sense / behave’ separately (e.g., “I thought you were rude, so I got mad/hurt, etc. and shouted…”).
- Have three eyes to see their inner/outer / context selves, the past, present and future, and understand where emotions come from.
- Understand, know, name and own the intent and impact of their experience, engagement and expectations within the environment.
- Understand and know many emotions may be present at any time, they tumble up and down, in and out- and their impact can accumulate and linger.
- Name and own their emotions.
- Accept that it is OK to feel this way.
- Have a choice in what is needed next.
How do the Tumbles do it?
1. They Pause.2. They take three belly breaths.3. They use their three eyes to ‘know’ their intent and impact — heads, hearts and bodies, behaviours and expectations of the context.4. They name and own their emotions. “I’m feeling xyz just now and also feeling abc” “It’s OK to feel this way” — at this time, because/about.5. They then know they have options so ask- What is needed next / just now…what if I ?… 6.They own their choices to:
- make their days
- get on their way
- have their say
- reset not fray
- hear what others say
- help where they may
- Go and play
- rest and stay
- reflect and pray
Let’s Meet the Tumbles- and read Some Tales
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Saddy Tumbles
Sometimes, some people and things mean that Sad emotions tumble up and down. They can name and own their Sad emotions:
- Hopeless
- Overwhelmed
- Disillusioned
- Embarrassed
- Worried
- Inadequate
- Sadsad (ND)
- Guilty
- Disappointed
- Pessimistic
- Ashamed
- Bored
- Dread
- Despair
- Lost
- Submissive
- Apprehensive
- Unmotivated
- Lonely
When experiencing these, we then tend to Concede or Comply.
They accept that it is OK to feel this way & they can choose to: make their days, get on their way, have their say, reset not fray, hear what others say, help where they may, go and play, rest and just stay, reflect and pray.
Tumble Tale of Mel and Colie—SADDY
In a community just like yours, there was a couple. They journeyed through life’s ups and downs, successes and setbacks, lived, leaned in and learned together for many years. As part of any journey, there is always an end. It has been said — loss is the price we pay for love — a price willingly invested, yet an exacting toll — that must be paid.
Mel took the loss of Colie very hard. Their emotional pathway narrowed, and the light grew dimmer. They were owned by feeeling lost and stuck at the same time, lingering loneliness and despair mixed with moments of joy in reminiscence and yet deep sadness. Friends and family tried to help, and eventually ‘left them to work through it in they own way’. That way, unfortunately, was down.
This story will be familiar to many. We all experience loss — a person, a relationship, a job or just an imagined future. SADDY Tumble brings the lesson for us all in the power to explore and heal through our acceptance, expanding our relationship with, and making room for, the sad emotions where energy is running on red and motivation is spread thin.
It’s OK to feel these feelings; it’s OK to take time; and it’s OK to have small moments of happiness with fond memories. Take time to pause, rest, and stay put — for a bit, and in time take small (they may be radical) first steps and seek some connections.
The SADDY Tumbles are here to help us all know the context, name the emotion, and own them with flexibility. We imagine the difference owning SADDY emotions may have made for Mel and their friends (and us as well) by simply naming: "I’m FEELING SAD/Hopeless, etc. just now, and that is OK, because… What is needed just now is to rest and stay… and then…"
Haddy Tumbles
Sometimes, some people and things mean that Had emotions tumble up and down. They can name and own Had emotions:
- Isolated
- Wronged
- Rejected
- Scared
- Insecure
- Hurt
- Glitched (ND)
- Concerned
- Helpless
- Offended
- Jealous
- Abandoned
- Betrayed
- Exploited
- Envy
- Nervous
- Dread
- Anguish
- Humiliated
- Manipulated
- Cynical
- Skeptical
- Panic
When experiencing these, we then tend to Compare or Condemn.
They accept that it is OK to feel this way & they can choose to: make their days, get on their way, have their say, reset not fray, hear what others say, help where they may, go and play, rest and just stay, reflect and pray.
.jpg "Tumble Tale of The Wronged Woman—HADDY")
Tumble Tale of The Wronged Woman—HADDY
In a community just like yours lives a family. The mother had a very narrow emotional pathway, speaking in a straight manner, keeping what she felt to herself and keeping all her emotions in check.
One of the children had a problem. They thought the mother was too rushed and distant. Sometimes the mother would be mean and envious — she pointed out what was wrong, called people names, and stared for too long. She WAS (owned by) her hurt. This made the child feel rejected, insecure and alone. The child was (owned by) these emotions.
This story will be familiar to many, with the lesson for the child, the mother/person with power, and the less powerful.
The HADDY Tumbles are here to help us all know the context, name the emotion, and own them with flexibility. We imagine the difference if the mother could have paused and said to herself: "I’m FEELING HADDY / exploited just now, because… and that is OK… what is needed just now is to have her say… and then."
Maddy Tumbles
Sometimes, some people and things mean that Mad emotions tumble up and down. They can name and own their Mad emotions:
- Angry
- Hostile
- Annoyed
- Frustrated
- Irritated
- Defensive
- Crankle (ND)
- Hateful
- Selfish
- Spiteful
- Contempt
- Skeptical
- Distant
- Confused
- Cautious
- Schadenfreude
- Disgust
- Judgmental
- Bitter
- Aggravated
- Resentful
- Grumpy
When experiencing these, we then tend to Criticize or Compete.
They accept that it is OK to feel this way & they can choose to: make their days, get on their way, have their say, reset not fray, hear what others say, help where they may, go and play, rest and just stay, reflect and pray.
Tumble Tale of The Embarrassing Nipples—MADDY
In a community just like yours lives a family. The father had a very narrow emotional pathway, a straight manner, keeping what he felt to himself and his emotions fully in control.
One of the children had a problem. They thought the father had really big nipples, and when the father was shirtless, it made the child feel completely embarrassed and then deeply guilty.
Most of the time, the father showed little emotion; however, sometimes, without too much warning, he got really angry — he would explode from zero to 100 with yelling, red in the face, table-banging rage, then, like a thunderclap, it would be gone. He WAS owned by Anger. This made the child completely afraid, insecure and confused. They were owned by these emotions.
This story will be familiar to many, with the lesson being for the child and the father, or the person with power and the less powerful.
The MADDY Tumbles are here to help us all — know the context, name the emotion, and own them with flexibility. We imagine the difference if the father could have paused and said to himself: "I’m FEELING MADDY / frustrated just now, because… and that is OK, what is needed next just now is to reset, not fray, get on with my day… and then…"
Raddy Tumbles
Sometimes, some people and things mean that Rad emotions tumble up and down. They can name and own Rad emotions:
- Powerful
- Valuable
- Confident
- Important
- Appreciated
- Determined
- Sparkle (ND)
- Daring
- Brave
- Respected
- Aware
- Successful
- Worthwhile
- Discerning
- Surprised
- Faithful
- Connected
- Vulnerable
- Interested
- Ambitious
- Strong
- Passionate
- Motivated
- Proud
When experiencing these, we then tend to Create or have Courage.
They accept that it is OK to feel this way & they can choose to: make their days, get on their way, have their say, reset not fray, hear what others say, help where they may, go and play, rest and just stay, reflect and pray.
Gladdy Tumbles
Sometimes, some people and things mean that Glad emotions tumble up and down. They can name and own Glad emotions:
- Optimistic
- Hopeful
- Excited
- Cheerful
- Energetic
- Playful
- Floatie (ND)
- Amused
- Fascination
- Humble
- Sensuous
- Happiness
- Elated
- Trusting
- Secure
- Awe
- Nostalgia
- Relieved
- Surprise
- Admiration
- Silly
- Joyful
- Engaged
- Glee
When experiencing these, we tend to either be Curious or Commit.
They accept that it is OK to feel this way & they can choose to: make their days, get on their way, have their say, reset not fray, hear what others say, help where they may, go and play, rest and stay, reflect and pray.
Tumble Tale of The Cheerful Champ—GLAD
In a community just like yours, there was an expert or master of their trade/craft/profession. The ‘champ’ learned and practised for many years and learned ‘the way’ of their discipline, which was based on a guiding principle of keeping their emotions ’in check’, showing no vulnerability and keeping separate from others. They encouraged their subordinates to keep emotions within a very narrow emotional bandwidth.
When they reached the top, they initially felt they needed to keep fighting to hold it. However, they learned a whole new set of skills — the skills of embracing their inner being, self-talk, body sensations and feelings.
The more they did this, the more they ‘won’ and the less they struggled. They connected with how they felt, noticed the range and depth of emotions as a source of wisdom and a pathway to engage with their potential and others' performance. They became aware of joy, anger, humility, courage and fear, sometimes in isolation and sometimes all at once — and yet all belonging and welcome. They chose to engage with others in their environment along a broad emotional pathway (know, name, and own), being cheerful, sharing laughs, stories, struggles, and tears, and seeing the richness of being with others.
This story will be familiar to many, with the lesson for the learner and the champions within our worlds: being aware of and owning our E-motional wake — the emotions we leave behind.
The GLADDY Tumbles are here to help us all — know the context, name the emotion, and own them with flexibility. We imagine the difference for all masters to pause and say to themselves: "I’m FEELING GLADDY / hopeful just now, because… what is needed next just now is to go and play… then…"
.jpeg "Tumble Tale of The Cheerful Champ—GLAD")
.jpeg "Tumble Tale of The Cheerful Champ—GLAD")
Paddy Tumbles
Sometimes, some people and things mean that Pad emotions tumble up and down. They can name and own Pad emotions:
- Peaceful
- Calm
- Secure
- Grateful
- Relaxed
- Belonging
- Light (ND)
- Accepting
- Thoughtful
- Reflective
- Trusting
- Thankful
- Serene
- Intimate
- Freudenfreude
- Satisfied
- Wise
- Sentimental
- Present
- Comfortable
- Focused
- Graceful
- Empathetic
- Nurture
When experiencing these, we then tend to have Compassion or Contentment.
They accept that it is OK to feel this way & they can choose to: make their days, get on their way, have their say, reset not fray, hear what others say, help where they may, go and play, rest and stay, reflect and pray.
Tumble Tale of Living Solace—PAD
In a community just like yours lived an elder called Sol. They had been a soldier, parent, partner and community contributor. They were blind, not from birth but from when they were entering their adult life at 18. Sol had an expansive emotional pathway — they shared stories and lived experiences, listened deeply, smiled broadly, looked at you like you mattered, and that they were so glad you were there, laughed loudly, spoke gently, and whispered suggestions kindly. Although old and frail, widowed, and living alone, Sol had a full life with many friends, enjoyed animals and a cuppa, and his truest companion — his dog, whom he chatted to as if human.
Sol had a problem. He was now a patient and facing the total removal of his voice box. When you asked how he was feeling, you got a real answer. He was feeling sad, had, mad, rad, glad and pad — sometimes all at once.
Over the weeks of prep and post-operative care, and now without ‘speech’ and learning to use an electric voice box, many nurses and doctors came to know and be influenced by visits to Sol’s room to check he (they) was doing OK. Sol’s grace, peace, gratitude and fulfilment helped them feel all sorts of emotions and live a little better.
This story will be familiar to many, and its lesson is for us all as community members. Our emotions are sometimes the calm, lower energy, pauses and gentle noticing of the beauty of what is, rather than what is not.
The PADDY Tumbles are here to help us all know the context, name the emotion, and own them with flexibility. We imagine the difference if we all could pause from time to time and say to ourselves: "I’m FEELING PADDY / grateful just now, because… what is needed for me just now is to help where I may… and then."
Be a Little More Tumble!
- Buy a tumble treasure
- Know it, Name it, Own it
- Share the story
