The Power of Emotion

There’s a lot of talk these days about how we should all subjugate our emotions.

Keep them in line.

Make them work for us.

I want to make one thing clear.

I think that entire line of thinking is bullshit.

Why? Well, for starters, it ignores basic biology.

Emotions are our bodies, thinking.

We evolved with emotions and they’ve served us well for millennia. They didn’t just stop being useful because they went out of style.

Emotions are basic to what we are as human beings. They’re another kind of thinking - non-linear and non-logical. But thought. And they’re powerful.

Emotions are capable of processing far more information, more quickly than our logical brains can.

Your emotions are what tell you not to head down that sketchy alley. Your emotions are what tell you about possible mutual attractions. Your emotions are some of the best indicators you have about what you care about in life, and how you should spend yours.

Your emotions are you, in a very real and physical way.

They’re a mix of your brain, your nervous system, your hormones and every touch receptor in your entire body. You are your emotions and they are you.

Now the people arguing that we should ignore them aren’t totally crazy. Chasing happiness isn’t likely to get you there. Acting in a blind rage isn’t generally the best course of action.

But ignoring them is stupid. There’s a better solution sitting right out in the open.

Don’t ignore your emotions. Listen to them.

That word choice is important. Listen. Don’t act, don’t make decisions based on how they’re telling you to feel, don’t blindly rush with or against them.

Listen to them.

If you try that, you’ll be able to interact, and ask important questions.

I feel happy. Awesome. What’s making me feel happy? I feel angry. Cool. What’s making me feel angry?

Your emotions are like the best watchdogs on earth. They’re sizing up complex situations full of things you’re not even consicously aware of, then telling you important, true information in the the best way they know how.

If your guard dog was barking, you’d pay attention to what it was barking at.

You’d be a fool to start barking. And an even bigger one to start barking along.

Your emotions aren’t some crazy biological defect.

They’re awesome, powerful, physical thought - and they’re just as you as the things you think.

Next time you feel, listen.