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rosewalbrugh · 02-11-2008, 11:32 AM

Hi,
So do you feel there is no truth to the possibility that we could become addicted to the physiological reactions (on a neural path and peptide/receptor level)?
Even though as you say emotions are rooted in physiology, I also feel that despite that, we ARE capable of controlling our emotions... In my experience I'm having to do so every now and then. I've found that the conscious/unconscious judgment on how appropriate a certain emotional reaction would be, would be a large contributor to how I actually respond physiologically. And this goes beyond choosing my reaction after I experience the emotion and I'm not talking about stifling my emotions at all.

An example of this would be when I'm in a situation where I'm according to my own judgment allowed to show anger (e.g. when I'm having an argument with my boyfriend or close family member), in these cases, as my judgment is that it's ok to become angry (if the subject requires this) I may 'allow' myself to experience this emotion to it's full extent. On the other hand, if the very same topic of discussion happen and the surroundings are such (e.g. public place or others in the company) that anger would be inappropriate I would not feel it or stifle it either. I do believe that I can control my emotions. And recently I think I've realised that I may be consciously creating the circumstances around which I can satisfy my emotional cravings. Keeping in mind that new perspective and noticing patterns in my behaviour that reinforces this suspicion, I'm on a quest now to avoid all kinds of negative emotions. And guess what, so far it's working for me... The way I see it is that most of the time, situations that are potentially upsetting to us are very complex, and there's always many possible ways to look at it. So now, the next time a potentially upsetting situation arises, I notice the opportunity for negative emotion and I recognise that interpreting the situation in my habitual way would allow me the opportunity to feel sad or angry, etc. Now, if I take that situation and I play around with it in my head until I get to the point where I normally get to where I forgive the person for upsetting me or I am the one apologising for overreacting, I completely bypass the whole cycle of upset - reconsider - forgive/apologize. And ultimately if that is not the cycle - e.g. it's just upset - upset - upset, then maybe I need to decide to eliminate that situation from my experience.

What do you think? Is this not a possible rational way of controlling our emotions?

Let me know what you think!

Rose
My Blog - Free My Mind | Your corner on the web for self expression and personal development.

02-11-2008, 11:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
rosewalbrugh Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 16	Hi, So do you feel there is no truth to the possibility that we could become addicted to the physiological reactions (on a neural path and peptide/receptor level)? Even though as you say emotions are rooted in physiology, I also feel that despite that, we ARE capable of controlling our emotions... In my experience I'm having to do so every now and then. I've found that the conscious/unconscious judgment on how appropriate a certain emotional reaction would be, would be a large contributor to how I actually respond physiologically. And this goes beyond choosing my reaction after I experience the emotion and I'm not talking about stifling my emotions at all. An example of this would be when I'm in a situation where I'm according to my own judgment allowed to show anger (e.g. when I'm having an argument with my boyfriend or close family member), in these cases, as my judgment is that it's ok to become angry (if the subject requires this) I may 'allow' myself to experience this emotion to it's full extent. On the other hand, if the very same topic of discussion happen and the surroundings are such (e.g. public place or others in the company) that anger would be inappropriate I would not feel it or stifle it either. I do believe that I can control my emotions. And recently I think I've realised that I may be consciously creating the circumstances around which I can satisfy my emotional cravings. Keeping in mind that new perspective and noticing patterns in my behaviour that reinforces this suspicion, I'm on a quest now to avoid all kinds of negative emotions. And guess what, so far it's working for me... The way I see it is that most of the time, situations that are potentially upsetting to us are very complex, and there's always many possible ways to look at it. So now, the next time a potentially upsetting situation arises, I notice the opportunity for negative emotion and I recognise that interpreting the situation in my habitual way would allow me the opportunity to feel sad or angry, etc. Now, if I take that situation and I play around with it in my head until I get to the point where I normally get to where I forgive the person for upsetting me or I am the one apologising for overreacting, I completely bypass the whole cycle of upset - reconsider - forgive/apologize. And ultimately if that is not the cycle - e.g. it's just upset - upset - upset, then maybe I need to decide to eliminate that situation from my experience. What do you think? Is this not a possible rational way of controlling our emotions? Let me know what you think! Rose My Blog - Free My Mind \| Your corner on the web for self expression and personal development.