Inspirational Quote
A Philosopher’s Corner
The natural state of fear encloses. It creates a tension of sorts that makes us want to go within, tighten up, and leave the situation, creating the state of anxiety felt—fear cues for the flight or freeze response. However, if you have ever watched a horror movie, we all know what happens to those that freeze. Even those who run often face a negative consequence, as they strive to avoid what is coming, but often at the expense of not knowing where they are going.
Anger manifests from fear. But is this a bad thing? Possibly not. Anger, like fear, in and of itself is only an energy state. But unlike fear which tightens, anger needs to push from the body; it is a flow state that we can harness to solve problems if directed appropriately, as in the horror movie example, those who fight, versus flight or freeze, usually live to see another day.
So what can we do with these primary emotional states?
- Learn to identify what emotion you are feeling in the moment.
- Simplify Your Definition of emotions (Eg. fear, anger, sadness, happiness/content, love).
- Define the moment by the emotion non-judgementally.
- What thoughts arise with the emotion?
- Thoughts link to emotional states. When we identify them, we learn inroads into how our thoughts create emotional states that may be problematic.
- Shift the thoughts to their opposite.
- What environmental events led to the thoughts/emotions?
- What were your urges?
- What did you do?
These are a few basic steps in learning to identify the particulars that govern your emotional response. Remember, there are no negative emotions. E-Motion is simply Energy, in Motion. What can you do with that energy to bring a positive outcome in your life? What can you do a little differently to create a more effective result from your emotional state? Confidence breeds courage, and practice makes perfect.
Namaste, my friends. May blessings and good feelings find you on your journey to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.
