Chapter 21 : Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Ingredient for Learning
Emotional intelligence shapes how we learn, adapt, and connect — quietly powering academic success far beyond technical skills alone.
INTRODUCTION
This week in Daily Discovery: Emotional Intelligence
This month in Daily Discovery, we explore a quiet force shaping every choice we make: emotional intelligence.
It’s more than just recognizing feelings — it’s knowing how to navigate them, both in ourselves and others. Through stories, practical tools, and everyday examples, we’ll uncover how emotional intelligence sharpens relationships, decisions, and personal growth.
Dive in, reflect, and tell us: how are you applying it in your own life?
Here’s the list of traits that will help you to improve your perfection of the emotional intelligence.
Empathy — Understanding others’ emotions
Communication — Expressing emotions effectively
Non-Verbal Language — Understanding emotions through gestures and expressions
Inner Conflict Identification — Detecting and resolving personal emotional struggles
Adaptability — Adjusting emotions to suit the context
Collaboration — Building emotionally supportive relationships
Self-Awareness — Recognizing one’s own emotions
Regulation — Managing emotional responses
Observation — Detecting emotional cues in others
STORY BY BLCOP | A SECOND STORY FROM ELF001 | CHALLENGES BY BLCOP
A.1. THE PASSAGE -
Whispers from the Underworld: Hades’ Lesson in Emotional Mastery
The dark shadows of the Underworld, ruled by Hades, the god of the dead, always stayed with him, just like the storm inside him. He lived alone, far from everyone, watching the world above. He had a strange, unsettling way of knowing people's secret weaknesses and even the hidden pride of the other gods on Mount Olympus. This deep, cold skill was sharpened by solitude for ages. He used it to pick things apart, not to bring them together.
Hades would quietly cause trouble. He'd whisper doubts to a jealous goddess, spread rumors among human kings, or use a god's hidden fears. He enjoyed the small ripples of chaos he created, a secret power in a universe that mostly ignored him. He saw feelings as tools to be used, and weaknesses as cracks to make bigger.
Then, a great sickness fell upon the human lands. Crops died, water went bad, and a deep sadness gripped people. Their cries for help barely reached the gods, weakening the gods' power. On Mount Olympus, the other gods argued, their pride clashing, their usual solutions not working against this new, creeping problem.
Feeling a cold curiosity mixed with a flicker of concern for the delicate balance of the realms he oversaw (even if from a distance), Hades descended in his ebony chariot, pulled by swift, shadowy steeds. He didn't arrive on grand Mount Olympus (the palace and stronghold of the Greek mythological gods), but materialized unseen at the edges of the mortal suffering. He saw gaunt figures huddled in once-fertile fields, their faces etched with despair. He watched families share meager rations with hollow eyes, the joy drained from their simple lives. It was a stark display of the blight's impact, far different from the faint echoes that reached his Underworld realm. He even witnessed small acts of selfless kindness – a strong farmer sharing his last grains, a village elder offering words of comfort, their resilience a faint spark in the overwhelming darkness.
At first, Hades enjoyed watching the mess from afar. He saw the pure fear of parents losing children, the desperate work of brave people, and the proud claims of his family failing. But having witnessed the raw agony firsthand in the mortal world, something shifted within him. He saw the real fear and hopelessness, not just as dead souls, but as living beings. He saw the order of things he managed start to break down.
That night, a clear thought came to Hades. He remembered his unique knowledge of human fears and god's weaknesses, a knowledge he'd gained from his lonely watching and now, from his silent journey. It was a power he'd always used to control, but now, a different way appeared.
Quietly, Hades began to act. He didn't use his power openly, but subtly. He made Zeus, the king of the gods, afraid of being forgotten, an old fear, urging him to bring everyone together. He appealed to Poseidon, god of the sea, about his pride, guiding him to clean the infected waters. To Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, who was sad for the dying earth, he didn't offer comfort, but showed her clearly how much suffering there was that she wasn't fixing, pushing her to take strong action. He knew which human heroes, even when hopeless, had a strong spirit, and gently guided them with dreams of old cures. He helped their work, not by telling them what to do, but by gently guiding the fears and pride of gods and humans toward working together.
The sickness slowly began to fade. The other gods, though confused by their sudden understanding and renewed purpose, praised their own efforts. Hades went back to his dark home, expecting to be alone again. But something had changed for good. He had used his deep understanding of emotions, not for his own dark plans, but for the good of all realms. For the first time, he felt the weight of shared weakness and the quiet happiness of helping something bigger than himself.
The storm had passed. In its calm, a tiny spark of understanding had grown in Hades’ heart. His emotional intelligence, once a tool made from being alone, had shown him a new kind of power – the power of connecting, not by using weaknesses, but by understanding shared humanity. The path ahead was unclear, but for the first time, the darkness within Hades felt a little less strong, with a tiny glimmer of a new goal.
Emotional intelligence (EI), often called EQ, is simply our ability to understand and manage emotions – both our own and those of others. It’s not just about being smart in a bookish way, but about being smart with feelings. It involves recognizing what you're feeling, understanding why you're feeling it, handling those emotions effectively, understanding how others are feeling, and using that understanding to guide your thoughts and actions.
The story of Hades and the great blight, while set among ancient gods, offers a powerful reflection on this very human skill. Just like Hades initially used his deep insight into emotions to cause quiet trouble and manipulate, we too have a choice in how we use our ability to grasp feelings—our own and others'. In our daily interactions, emotional intelligence isn't about grand cosmic events, but about the small, crucial moments. It involves several key parts: self-awareness (knowing your own feelings and reactions, like Hades realizing the blight was connected to his past actions), self-regulation (managing your emotions and impulses, like Hades controlling his usual inclinations), empathy (understanding and sharing others' feelings, like Hades witnessing the raw human suffering during his chariot ride), social skills (knowing how to interact well with others and influence them positively, like Hades subtly guiding Zeus, Poseidon, and Demeter), and motivation (using your emotions to drive yourself toward goals, like Hades finding a new purpose). The importance of emotional intelligence in our daily lives cannot be overstated. When we use it well, it helps us build stronger relationships, succeed at work, manage stress, and make better decisions. Hades' journey reminds us that emotional intelligence is a powerful force; it can be used for self-serving reasons, creating discord and unhappiness. But when turned toward understanding, connection, and collective well-being, it becomes a profound tool for positive change, enriching not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us. It's a skill we can all practice and improve, leading to more fulfilling and meaningful interactions every day.
A.2. THE PASSAGE
Beyond Words: Building Bridges Through Empathy in Cambodia
When our school sent 21 students to Cambodia, my team of seven and I had no idea how deeply it would shape us—not just as travelers or volunteers, but as people learning emotional intelligence.
At first, the energy of the local kids overwhelmed me: they hugged us nonstop, fought playfully to stay close, and even broke a few of our things in the chaos. But soon, I realized this wasn’t just wild excitement; it was their way of showing love, connection, and trust. Emotional intelligence helped me shift from feeling annoyed or overwhelmed to understanding their unspoken feelings and responding with patience and care.
Throughout those five days, painting the school in the heat and teaching English through games, I practiced self-awareness (recognizing my own exhaustion), self-regulation (staying positive when tired), empathy (feeling their eagerness and joy), and adaptability (adjusting lessons when kids came and went freely).
What struck me most was how universal emotional connection is. Even without a shared language, we built friendships through smiles, kindness, and playful energy. I learned that emotional intelligence isn’t just about managing yourself — it’s about reading the room, embracing others’ emotions, and using them to create a space where everyone feels included.
This experience didn’t just teach me how to teach; it taught me how to connect, listen, and lead with empathy — lessons I’ll carry far beyond Cambodia.
1️⃣ How did understanding others’ unspoken emotions (whether the story of gods or children) help transform conflict or disconnection into meaningful action?
2️⃣ What inner emotional shifts (like moving from control to care, or from overwhelm to empathy) allowed the characters to grow and make a positive impact?
3️⃣ What do these stories reveal about the power of emotional intelligence — not just for solving problems, but for creating deeper human connection?
JOIN US THIS WEEK ON JUNE 07 @ THE EXPO and let’s discuss your academic notes on Emotional Intelligence from the Story Telling module of the DAILY DISCOVERY SERIES. ZOOM ID : 769 712 5558 (click ZOOM for the link or use the ZOOM ID)
PASS CODE : MEET
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM SINGAPORE TIME
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM VIETNAMESE TIME
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM INDIAN STANDARD TIME
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM OMAN TIME
The agenda this week
Guest Speaker for the week
score board - Self reflection for Wybie and Mihf : the quality of the program is determined by the filling up of the document and self reflection and responses to feedback already provided.
challenges for the week
practical use of school knowledge.
New chapter 21 - a New Topic awaits : STORY TELLING - Data Story Telling
B. THE CHALLENGE - Emotional Intelligence
Most people move through their days reacting on autopilot — swept up in stress, frustration, or excitement without pausing to notice what’s really going on inside. But BLCOP’s emotional intelligence challenge series invites you to take a more mindful path: to pause, notice, and name what you’re feeling, and to understand what others are feeling too.
Emotional intelligence matters because it helps you shift from simply reacting to intentionally responding. Without this skill, we risk misunderstanding others, mismanaging our own emotions, and missing the deeper meaning behind daily interactions. With it, we gain the ability to communicate better, connect more deeply, and handle challenges with resilience and grace.
Through hands-on challenges like Name That Feeling, Emotion Detective, and Respond, Don’t React, you’ll sharpen your emotional awareness, practice reading subtle cues, and strengthen your ability to navigate emotions — both your own and others’ — with wisdom and care. It’s not about controlling feelings; it’s about understanding them, so you can shape your actions with clarity and purpose.
As you move through the challenge, you’ll start asking yourself:
🌿 What emotions are truly shaping this moment — mine and theirs?
🌿 What’s going on beneath the surface that words aren’t saying?
🌿 How can I use this awareness to choose a better, more thoughtful response?
This isn’t just about managing feelings or avoiding conflict. It’s about becoming someone who reads the emotional landscape, builds trust, and turns understanding into meaningful action — someone who knows that connection and change start from the inside out.
How Emotional Intelligence Boosts Academic Success
Emotional intelligence (EI) — the ability to understand and manage emotions — is key to academic success. It helps students stay focused, manage stress, and build better study habits. EI also strengthens relationships with teachers and peers, improving collaboration and communication.
Beyond that, emotionally intelligent students bounce back from setbacks more easily, stay motivated, and make better decisions under pressure. By reducing burnout and boosting resilience, EI supports long-term performance. In short, EI doesn’t replace academic skills — it strengthens and empowers them, helping students thrive in both learning and life.
Our Audience Reads from the following locations: Please help to spread the word….
C. SESSIONS SUMMARY
By ELF001
"Greetings everyone, a warm welcome to our TLS session," ELF001 began. "I’m ELF001, and I’ll be your host for today."
As the virtual room settled, she outlined the agenda: a breathing exercise, a talk on emotional intelligence, some challenges, a reflection from Miss BCDF, and finally, a data storytelling session by Mr. Satya.
“Let’s begin,” she continued, sharing her screen. A guided video on “cactus breathing” played. Everyone was encouraged to raise their arms, breathe in through their noses, and exhale through their mouths.
After the exercise, ELF001 addressed the group again. “Now that our mind is calm and clear, it’s a perfect time to dive into today’s theme: Emotional Intelligence.” She invited the guest speaker: Mr. Babu Mathew.
“Am I audible?” Babu asked.
“Yes, loud and clear,” several voices confirmed.
“I’m a developmental and social psychologist,” Babu began. “I focus on how people behave and learn, especially during adolescence and early youth.”
He shared a story about a boy who was silent and withdrawn. Rather than pressuring him, Babu invited him for a walk. Slowly, the boy opened up about his parents fighting and his fear of losing them.
“Emotional intelligence,” Babu explained, “is not about fixing. It’s about understanding—our own emotions and others’. It’s about listening without judgment, creating safe spaces, and recognizing what triggers these emotions.”
The group listened quietly, each participant now carrying a clearer picture of how empathy, patience, and presence shape emotional growth.
Mr. Babu didn’t just share facts; he told us a moving story about a boy who was going through a really tough time at home and didn’t want to talk to anyone. Mr. Babu found a beautiful and simple way to connect with him—he brought him to a quiet park full of greenery. Somehow, that calm space opened up something in the boy. Mr. Babu reminded the members that not everyone shows their emotions on the surface. Some people are like ticking bombs, holding everything inside. His story really stayed with us and sparked a lot of deep thoughts, especially for BLC OP and ELF001.
After his powerful sharing, Mr. Babu had to head off to another meeting, but the session continued on a strong note. SAHN appreciated the tips shared by Babu Mathew, acknowledging how participants could apply them in real life.
Tips Shared by Mr. Babu Mathew (Inferred from Session Themes)
Respond, Don’t React
Emphasized the importance of pausing and reflecting before reacting emotionally to challenging situations.
Highlighted how self-regulation improves interpersonal outcomes.
Practice Self-AwarenessEncouraged participants to tune into their emotions, recognize fatigue or stress, and understand how it influences behavior.
“Emotional intelligence begins with observing your feelings and recognizing your inner state.”
Validate Your EmotionsReminded everyone that it's okay to feel anger, sadness, or frustration—but it's essential to acknowledge those emotions without shame or guilt.
Empathy Toward OthersUrged participants to depersonalize the behavior of others, understanding that their actions might stem from their own stress or struggles.
Example: nurses being loud might have been coping in their own way.
Communicate MindfullyRecommended that when verbal communication is hard (due to illness or emotion), one can use body language or calm expressions to communicate needs respectfully.
Self-Compassion & ReflectionShared that forgiving oneself for mistakes or emotional reactions is a key step toward growth.
Reflection after a moment of conflict can turn a setback into a learning opportunity.
Babu, visibly touched, expressed joy about speaking with diverse participants and thanked everyone before excusing himself for a therapy session.
The momentum shifted as ELF invited participants to present their weekly challenges. BLC OP spoke first, sharing his struggle with hospital noise and how it triggered frustration. His initial reaction wasn’t ideal, but he explained how he learned to respond more calmly and wisely. It was a real moment of growth. Through his challenge, he reflected on emotional regulation and how illness had impaired his self-awareness. “Maybe I could have put more importance on rest than reacting,” he admitted, emphasizing the power of empathy and depersonalization. His thoughtful presentation earned praise from Matthew Ryan, who noted, “It’s wise to respond without judgment and not take things personally.”
JFP followed with a story that echoed a similar theme—pausing and thinking before reacting. Jfp shared his emotional experience with his sister, where he felt scolded and misunderstood. Upon reflection, he realized he had reacted due to tiredness and should have valued her help. “I should have appreciated her,” he confessed after reconnecting to the session. His ability to recognize his emotions and handle them better was something many of us could relate to.
Then ELF001 shared her challenge, which was a bit different but equally powerful. ELF001 presented a personal “Name That Feeling” challenge, identifying emotions like tiredness, anger, and joy, and reflecting on how clashing emotions can create mental chaos. “When you mix happy and angry, you get something else—it’s unhealthy,” she explained, drawing a parallel to chemistry.
Through the discussion, ELF001 realised that she and Emma were going through similar emotions. Mr. SAHN pointed out something important too—how she used sports as a way to cool down and handle her feelings. That really showed us how unique everyone’s emotional tools can be.
During the session, Emma and Richard both offered thoughtful reflections that showcased their developing emotional intelligence and capacity for self-reflection.
Emma's insights emerged in two distinct parts of the session. When reflecting on the story of the lion and the rabbit, she acknowledged the danger of pride and foolishness. “We shouldn’t act like we rule the land,” she remarked, admiring the rabbit's cleverness. Though she admitted she hadn't experienced a similar situation, she humbly recognized that she occasionally tries to be wise in her own way. Her responses revealed a growing awareness of the importance of humility and strategic thinking. Later, during the peer discussion, Emma remained engaged, even when she didn’t have a specific question. She agreed with the idea that physical activities—like football or boxing—can help manage overwhelming emotions. Her quiet participation demonstrated that reflection doesn't always require words—it can also be seen in presence and attentiveness.
Richard, on the other hand, spoke candidly about personal lessons and emotional overlap. He connected deeply with ELF001’s emotional description—especially feelings like tiredness, anger, and boredom—acknowledging that he too had experienced these states. Richard’s most powerful reflection was about his past habit of watching too much TV. This, he admitted, led to him needing glasses—an outcome he now views as a foolish consequence. Learning from this, he has shifted toward reading more and listening to the radio, turning his attention to habits that feed his growth. He reminded the group that even fiction, while entertaining, holds hidden lessons if we’re open to them.
After all the challenge sharings, Ms. BCDF brought us a fun and wise Thought for the Day. She played a short video about a foolish lion and a clever bunny—funny, but meaningful! The lesson? Overconfidence can backfire, just like how the lion’s pride led to its own downfall. A great reminder to stay humble and aware.
D. Evaluations
Read the Summary and provide your comments on the evaluation - comments could be your questions or thoughts.
1. Babu Mathew – Score: 4.8/5
Strengths:
Delivered grounded, reflective, and meaningful insights on emotional intelligence and lived experiences.
Showed openness to different perspectives and appreciation of multicultural dialogue.
Brought calm authority and personal anecdotes that made his contributions relatable.
Areas to Improve:
Could invite more direct dialogue or pose reflective questions to participants to activate deeper group engagement.
2. Ryan Matthew – Score: 3.5/5
Strengths:
Shared thoughtful commentary and acknowledged the impact of the discussion.
His responses reflected respect and attentiveness.
Areas to Improve:
Limited airtime or vocal presence; could benefit from sharing more personal reflections or questions to spark richer interaction.
3. ELF001 – Score: 4.2/5
Strengths:
Active presence in guiding or moderating moments, possibly operational or hosting role.
Provided framing and held space well for others to contribute.
Areas to Improve:
Could step more into thought-leadership or reflection mode rather than facilitation only, especially during deeper topic discussions.
4. Emma – Score: 2.8/5
Strengths:
Participated in parts and shared thoughts, indicating engagement.
Areas to Improve:
Contribution lacked depth or clarity; could improve by expressing thoughts more confidently or making connections to the topic in a personal way.
Missed opportunities to respond or build on others' input.
POOR PERFORMANCE - CHALLENGE NOT SUBMMITTED - NO COMMENTS
5. Richard – Score: 2.6/5
Strengths:
Presence noted, suggesting attentiveness.
Areas to Improve:
Minimal engagement or articulation of insights.
Needs to participate more directly and meaningfully in the dialogue.
POOR PERFORMANCE - CHALLENGE NOT SUBMMITTED - NO COMMENTS
6. BLCOP – Score: 4.3/5
Strengths:
Clear and articulate input that advanced the conversation.
Asked clarifying questions and encouraged others to think more deeply.
Areas to Improve:
At times could structure comments more concisely; occasional over-explanation.
7. JFP – Score: 4.0/5
Strengths:
Shared relevant examples and perspectives.
Demonstrated attentive listening and supported others’ ideas.
Areas to Improve:
Could lead or summarize more to help anchor the takeaways.
Guest Speaker Highlights from the Mentor
Mr. Babu’s session last Saturday was both warm, inspiring, and insightful, offering a deep understanding of emotional intelligence and the ways people express—or hide—their emotions. He spoke about two types of individuals: those who openly show their feelings and those who conceal them, often becoming “ticking bombs” due to bottled-up emotions. Through meaningful stories—such as his experience with a boy who avoided eye contact and wasn't open to his teachers—he emphasized the importance of recognizing facial expressions and shifting perspectives.
Another impactful moment was when he shared how a simple walk with a boy from a troubled home environment served as a therapeutic breakthrough. These stories helped highlight the value of staying calm, not holding back emotions, and seeking support from others. Mr. Babu’s ability to deliver heavy materials in such a smooth and calm way encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the session. I also learned how to be mindful with our emotions, how to become more aware of them, and how to regulate them in healthy ways.
Although there were minor audio issues, the key messages remained clear. Overall, the session left participants feeling curious, reflective, and motivated to make meaningful changes in their own lives.
Strengths
Emotional Clarity & Depth:
Mr. Babu’s storytelling brought emotional intelligence to life—particularly through his account of the boy who struggled with a turbulent home life. These narratives were not only relatable but also subtly instructive, demonstrating empathy in action.
Dual Perspective on Expression:
His framing of two emotional types—those who express vs. those who suppress—offered a simple yet powerful mental model for the audience.
Engaging Delivery:
Despite discussing sensitive topics, his calm, soothing manner created a safe space for participants. This tone helped maintain focus and encouraged reflection without overwhelming listeners.
Practical Takeaways:
Participants left with a toolkit of soft-skills: recognizing emotional cues, understanding emotional suppression, and the value of non-verbal intervention (like a simple walk).
Areas for Improvement
Interactive Engagement:
While his stories were immersive, adding more questions to the audience or inviting short personal reflections mid-session could have increased real-time engagement.
Technical Preparedness:
Audio glitches slightly impacted clarity. A quick pre-check or backup microphone option could ensure smoother delivery next time.
Learning Impact
The session didn’t just inform—it transformed. Participants walked away with a renewed sense of curiosity and practical strategies to understand and manage their own emotions. His approachable tone made deep concepts accessible, turning theory into something you could feel.
E. What’s Next
To wrap things up, ELF001 gave us a quick sneak peek into the new chapter we’ll be exploring: Chapter 22 – Data Storytelling. It was just enough to get us curious for what’s coming next.
From the article above, I learned that emotional intelligence is very important, where we must be smart in managing our emotions. We must be calm in making decisions, because if we make decisions when the ego is running, it will only make us regret it.
This article is very interesting. I have been convinced how the next evolution that this world will continue to change even though there are dominant bad ones. Although this time I still have not finished or maybe there are some shortcomings in my English, but the caterpillar that becomes a cocoon will not always be a cocoon but will turn into a butterfly like making people stunned by its natural color and the softness of the butterfly dance. As if we want to get to another area by crossing the ocean, we have to use a boat to cross the ocean.