Quote:
Originally Posted by rosewalbrugh  Hi Marco Polo,
can we really be sure when we experience our emotions that they are nothing more than "insignificant physiological reaction"? Are you saying we should distance ourselves from the feeling and at the same time just let it surface? Can you explain a little more?
thanks!
Rose |
hi, sorry I couldn't reply earlier.
Well, I'm a bit of a reductionist. I believe that emotions are largely rooted in our biochemistry. That does not make them "insignificant" per se, but it gives us some insight on how we should relate to them.
This is how I figure. If emotions are rooted in physiology, then they are
a)temporary
b)largely out of our control
To attempt a conscious selection of emotions is therefore a waste of time. After all, emotions are basically just responses to our actions and circumstances. They're indicators of how intelligently we're behaving -- if we're making smart choices in life and choosing our thoughts correctly, emotions will be good (and vice versa).
So we should focus our attention on making smart choices instead of on our physiological response to those choices. Trying to combat a biochemical reaction is basically pointless, so why not let them surface instead and see them for what they really are (a tingly sensation in the stomach, increased haert rate, release of hormones etc) By experiencing an emotion intensely, we can experience catharsis and make them subside, so we can focus on making smart choices instead.
Easier said than done, but that's how I see it anyway.