In group recently, I was despairing about feeling sad; only to be reminded by the facilitator, that it is normal to feel sad sometimes. It is a valid healthy human response. Not to be feared or run away from.
Being able to feel and express emotions appropriately, is part of what makes us human. Emotions are a kind of built-in radar we have to provide us with information that helps us survive.
In numerous films and programs in popular culture (think: Dr. Who, Spock in Star Trek) emotions are seen as a curiosity, unique to human nature. Yet, often in our society, we are taught to squelch or deny our emotions, from childhood on. Especially, and sadly, I think, for men.
We are taught not to be afraid, told that it doesn't hurt. Not to be a baby. Often we go through life without having our experiences and perceptions, with the accompanying emotions they elicit, validated. Suck it up. You're too sensitive. We all know the phrases used to encourage us to deny our feelings.
In my case, I became so detached, that I have often felt like I was watching a movie of someone else, third person observer, when going through situations too intense for me to process. Even positive emotions, like love, I can't feel or receive.
But all these emotions don't just disappear. They go underground. And this is probably where I get into trouble. I become depressed. Angry. Triggered by small things. I break down. I am anxious (fearful) without knowing why. I become overwhelmed and can't function. I harm myself and others.
So where do emotions come from?
Emotions are psychological reactions to our perceptions--both external (what is actually happening) and internal (imagination and interpretation of events).
They guide us in what we should do next. How to respond. And in the case of imagination, they provide us with the ability to enjoy a good book, or create something new.
Did you know that regardless of where one is in the world, or one's culture, that all human facial expressions of anger, good will, happiness are the same and understood without language?
So there is something universal in the feeling and expression of emotions for us humans. And for me, it is time to understand, rather than fear them.
Being able to feel and express emotions appropriately, is part of what makes us human. Emotions are a kind of built-in radar we have to provide us with information that helps us survive.
In numerous films and programs in popular culture (think: Dr. Who, Spock in Star Trek) emotions are seen as a curiosity, unique to human nature. Yet, often in our society, we are taught to squelch or deny our emotions, from childhood on. Especially, and sadly, I think, for men.
We are taught not to be afraid, told that it doesn't hurt. Not to be a baby. Often we go through life without having our experiences and perceptions, with the accompanying emotions they elicit, validated. Suck it up. You're too sensitive. We all know the phrases used to encourage us to deny our feelings.
In my case, I became so detached, that I have often felt like I was watching a movie of someone else, third person observer, when going through situations too intense for me to process. Even positive emotions, like love, I can't feel or receive.
But all these emotions don't just disappear. They go underground. And this is probably where I get into trouble. I become depressed. Angry. Triggered by small things. I break down. I am anxious (fearful) without knowing why. I become overwhelmed and can't function. I harm myself and others.
So where do emotions come from?
Emotions are psychological reactions to our perceptions--both external (what is actually happening) and internal (imagination and interpretation of events).
They guide us in what we should do next. How to respond. And in the case of imagination, they provide us with the ability to enjoy a good book, or create something new.
Did you know that regardless of where one is in the world, or one's culture, that all human facial expressions of anger, good will, happiness are the same and understood without language?
So there is something universal in the feeling and expression of emotions for us humans. And for me, it is time to understand, rather than fear them.
No comments:
Post a Comment