Emotional Frequency
An Interactive Art Show
Butterfly Herbs
Missoula, Montana
January 1 - January 31, 2026
What
Emotional Frequency is an interactive installation by Natalie Christensen and Nathan M McTague, longtime Missoula residents, artists, and founders of the Center for Emotional Education.
This work is intended as both a celebration and a normalization of emotion. We want to illustrate the nature of emotions – how they arise, are felt, and if supported, shift to a new emotion, or set of emotions.
How
This installation uses 500-plus cards from the Center’s Feeleez - Feelings Game for Children. It displays 25 common iterations of emotion.
Feeleez was born in 2007 out of a desire to connect with our own children around the emotions that were routinely moving through them. Rather than punish our kids for acting on their uncomfortable emotions, we built the game as a way to support their emotions, and support their brain chemistry to shift into a state where they were naturally cooperative, compassionate, and considerate.
Feeleez was the start of what would later become the Center for Emotional Education - an international organization dedicated to rewiring brains to develop Emotional Sovereignty.
Why
We believe that emotions don’t define us, they move through us.
If each feeling is noticed, named, and connected-with, they lead us to the most empowered, realized, and capable version of our true selves. Feelings are never the problem. The problem for so many of us is simply not knowing what to do with them when they arrive.
Interactivity
To welcome, normalize, and help metabolize your own current emotions, we invite you to interact with this piece.
Step 1:
Take a moment to get comfortable at your table, or on your stool.
Take a deep breath and a sip of your delicious beverage.
Start to tune-in to your internal landscape.
What’s currently moving inside you?
What do you notice about your mood?
Step 2:
Collect at least 3 paper hearts and a little bit of sticky tack from the dispenser.
Gaze at the art installation – either from your seat, or as you walk the length of the piece.
Are there feelings that you relate to?
Which ones?
Try to identify at least 3 feelings you resonate with right now.
When you’re ready, place a paper heart on those feelings.
Step 3:
Back at your comfy seat, give yourself a moment to let those feelings swirl around in you.
Do they have physical sensations?
Do they bring tears? (That’s ok at Butterfly Herbs!)
Do they haave things to say?
Keep breathing. Take a sip of your beverage.
When you’re ready, give yourself some loving pats or squeezes.
Next, say something (even silently) very kind and understanding, like:
“Those feelings make so much sense.”
“I understand.”
“I love you.”
You did it!
You let emotion rise, get support, and shift.
Congratulations!
For More
Does this intrigue you?
Would you like to know more about re-wiring your brain to develop Emotional Sovereignty?
Or help others to do the same?