Know Yourself: Nothing More than Feelings Our emo…

December 4, 2005

Know Yourself: Nothing More than Feelings

Our emotions play a very important part in all areas of our life. They can work as a warning system to let us know something is wrong. They can also take control and lead us to make poor or impulsive decisions. They cause physical responses within our bodies.

Many people deal with emotions by suppressing them and denying their impact on their lives. Others let loose and display all of their feelings for the world to see. We need to find a balance. You can’t really separate emotions from logic. Even the Vulcans on Star Trek never really use pure logic. Many of their reactions are emotional hidden by a veil of logic. (Am I showing my geekhood here?)

Whatever your opinion about emotions, you can’t deny that they are there. They are part of being human.

Let’s take a moment to explore some things you may be experiencing. Don’t worry, it won’t be too touchy-feely, and it won’t take very long either.

1. Position yourself comfortably where you are. Breath deeply through your nose and as you exhale through your mouth slowly say the word R-E-L-A-X.
2. Now that you have focused yourself a little, I want to ask you a question. Don’t think to hard about the question. Don’t even try to answer it verbally. I want you to listen to how your body responds to the question. What kind of answer is your body giving you?
3. Breathe deeply again remembering to slowly say the work R-E-L-A-X as you exhale, and answer the following question…

   How do you feel about money?

   What was your initial reaction to question? Did your body tense up? Did you feel muscle twitches? Were you verbal? Did you moan, groan or sigh? Did you curse?

   Maybe you had a positive response? Maybe it was neutral?

   If you had a noticeable response, there is a reason for it. Our mind lies to us a lot, but our body will always give it away. If you want to better understand why your body responded the way it did take a few minutes to focus on your feelings.

   Write down the words that came to mind even if they don’t make sense. Draw a picture of your feelings or at least paint a mental picture. Let your mind flow freely.

   Think beyond your surface feelings like “I don’t like my job” to the reasons behind your feelings - such as “my job takes away time with my family”, “I don’t feel respected or valued there”, or “The work required doesn’t inspire and motivate me”.

   You will probably find that money in itself is not what’s causing the emotions. It’s a figurehead for deeper longings and needs. It represents the needs and longings that aren’t being met because of a lack of money and a lack of understanding on how to acquire it.

   Rest assured, the trap is not impenetrable. You can begin to break free - all by changing the way you perceive the world around you - by changing your mindset.

   Here’s to the journey,
   Deborah

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