The Wisdom of Emotion

Have you ever noticed how we can remember vivid details from a single moment long ago, but we can’t remember what we had for breakfast this morning? When we sit down to reflect on everything that’s ever happened to us, we tend to forget many of the details (like the who, the what, the where, the when, and the why). Yet, if the moment was important enough we can easily recall how something made us feel. That’s not a coincidence! That’s the power of emotion.

If you’ve seen the movie Inside Out, you’re probably familiar with the basics: joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. These emotions are more than just characters in a story, they represent essential aspects of our human experience. A major problem in modern society is that we tend to label emotions as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ creating a hierarchy that can lead to shame or avoidance. The truth is that all emotions, whether pleasant or unpleasant, serve a valuable purpose. They’re feedback from our inner selves about our needs and experiences!

Emotion as an Indicator

Think of emotions as the dashboard lights of our lives. Just like the warning lights that signal something needs attention in our cars, emotions alert us to what’s happening within us and around us. Feelings of anger might indicate a boundary has been crossed. Sadness may point to a loss that needs to be acknowledged. Understanding what our emotions are signaling helps us assess the state of our basic needs for secure attachment, autonomy, realistic limits, freedom to express, and spontaneity/play.

By recognizing emotions as information rather than judgments, we open ourselves up to opportunities to learn more about ourselves and our relationships. When we experience a strong emotion, it’s a cue to pause and reflect: What is this feeling trying to tell me? What need is being met or unmet? We can use this emotional self-awareness alongside our logic and reason to navigate social situations, make decisions, and communicate more effectively.

Using Emotional Information

Imagine facing a difficult decision at work. You might feel anxiety about all the potential outcomes. Instead of dismissing that anxiety as bad, use it to explore your beliefs about security and control. These are often things that contribute to our sense of safety. Balancing that emotional insight with rational thinking and your core values can lead to more informed, confident choices.

Ultimately, emotions enrich our lives, guiding us through connections and experiences. So next time you feel something intense, remember—it’s not just an emotion; it’s your inner wisdom speaking. Let it guide you on your journey <3

If you are interested in learning more about your emotions or how to regulate them, please click the link below.