Recently, I had the unique opportunity to tour Pixar’s campus, a place where creativity and emotional storytelling intersect in larger-than-life art installations of beloved characters. This visit reminded me of the importance of how stories like those in Pixar’s “Inside Out” deeply influence our understanding of emotions. Maya Anderman, Pixar’s publicist — and the daughter of my partner Dalia — introduced me to her team, and their pride and joy in creating films that educate as much as entertain were palpable.

The New York Times recently explored how “Inside Out” and its sequel have changed therapeutic practices and our general perception of emotions. These films have become tools for mental health professionals, providing a common language to address complex emotional landscapes with children and adults alike. At MELD, we appreciate this approach as it aligns with our use of acknowledging emotions as tools to enhance emotional intelligence.

Emotions are not merely feelings; they are the language of the brain and body; understanding them can be transformative. “Inside Out” personifies emotions such as Joy, Sadness, and Anxiety, offering a relatable framework that simplifies internal experiences. This method of making abstract concepts tangible is something we embrace at MELD. It allows us to navigate life’s challenges more effectively by acknowledging and engaging with our emotions rather than suppressing them.

The article quotes a Sesame Street writer: “Every pain needs a name”. This resonates with our philosophy, where we encourage the vulnerable expression of emotions. Naming our feelings, even if it is just recognizing a somatic experience, can shift us from suppressing emotions — which creates stress and disconnection — to engaging with them in a way that fosters understanding and connection.

A core focus of our work is to “take the man deeper” into his somatic and emotional experience, helping him connect to that which he is not connected. This simple approach, which any of us can do for ourselves or others, much like the film shows, will down-regulate a stressful experience and show the person they are safe.

The “Emotions at Play” initiative, highlighted in The New York Times’ article, underlines the importance of integrating emotional health into daily learning. We support this integration with resources and programs that empower men and communities to harness their emotions for growth and well-being.

This narrative is not about changing who we are but about experiencing freedom through emotional understanding, much like the journeys of the characters in “Inside Out”. By embracing our full emotional spectrum, we unlock a path to a more fulfilling life, guided by self-understanding and resilience. Just like in Pixar’s storytelling, where every character has its role and importance, each emotion we experience has its value in shaping who we are and how we engage with the world around us.