Contrary to the commonly held belief that (some) emotions are problematic, emotions are an integral part of the human experience. Emotions play a crucial role in our survival, decision-making, and social interactions. Research suggests that emotions guide our behavior by providing essential feedback on our experiences (Damasio, 1994). They help us prioritize our actions and responses, ensuring that we address our most pressing needs and challenges. Emotions also foster social bonds, enabling empathy, cooperation, and communication (Keltner & Haidt, 1999). Rather than being a hindrance, emotions enrich our lives by adding depth and meaning to our experiences. They allow us to connect with others on a profound level, facilitating the formation of relationships and communities. By embracing our emotions, we can lead more authentic and fulfilling lives, harnessing the power of our feelings to navigate the complexities of the world.
“What we resist, persists.”
This is true even for so-called “negative” emotions; if they are showing up in our experience, e.g., sadness, anger, loneliness, et cetera the feeling is typically there for a reason. Instead of pushing on it with resistance or even trying to avoid it (insert your favorite dopamine hit here), can you turn toward the emotion with a bit of curiosity and ask it, “I notice I’m feeling ____, what are you trying to tell me?”
References:
- Damasio, A. R. (1994). Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain.
- Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (1999). Social functions of emotions at four levels of analysis. Cognition & Emotion, 13(5), 505-521.
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This post does not constitute therapeutic counseling or advice; the contents of this post are provided as a learning resource. We share the contents hoping that if you are in need of mental health support you will reach out to us directly or to a mental health professional in your area.