Emotional Slavery
Most “bad” decisions are made under the duresses of emotional enslavement. Yes! It's possible to be a slave to your feelings. On the flip side, it’s also possible to gain control of your emotional landscape by simply understanding what feelings do to you. What do sadness, anger, joy, or fear do to you physically, intellectually and spiritually? Have you ever charted your behaviors after an incredibly disrupting bout of anger or rage? Have you ever contemplated what joy is responsible for in your body or mind? Sensing emotions means you must take hold of the moment, be willing to stop yourself in the present, and dissect a bit of what's happening in and to you. It’s a task that takes a bit of practice and a hell of a lot patience as you cycle through seeing yourself when you are agitated or simply feeling good. The other problem is most of us aren't aware of the multitude of emotions happening at any given moment. People with big fat Ph.D’s used to think there were six distinct human emotions. A recent study now suggests that there are... 27! Here’s the list.
Admiration
Adoration
Aesthetic Appreciation
Amusement
Anxiety
Awe
Awkwardness
Boredom
Calmness
Confusion
Craving
Disgust
Empathetic pain
Entrancement
Envy
Excitement
Fear
Horror
Interest
Joy
Nostalgia
Romance
Sadness
Satisfaction
Sexual desire
Sympathy
Triumph
I hear you, 27! Yes, it’s a bit much. But here's the goal: become familiar with these. Know that emotions have routines alongside your routines. Where are you likely to get mad, sad, happy and when? As you discover each of these delights, start to understand what they are doing to your mind, body and spirit. Sensing the feelings coming and going instead of being jerked around like a paralyzed marionette will produce emotional maturity and freedom.
What emotion controls you?
Are you interested in spiritual direction? Here’s how to get started.
Step 1. Schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consult. Do that here.
Step 2. Watch your email for questions from me. Before we hop on the phone, I’d like to know a bit about you and what you’d like to get out of spiritual direction or coaching with me.
Step 3. Hit “reply” to that email and answer the questions.
Step 4. At the scheduled time of your consult, we’ll talk! We’ll use the opportunity to make sure we’re the perfect fit.
Step 5. Then we’ll get started! If you decide to work with me, I’ll tell you the exact steps for getting started. If you decide not to work with me or if we aren’t a perfect fit, I’m happy to share other resources to help you get what you need.
Have questions? You can call me… 619.964.0337
