Language of Emotions
Do you feel awkward when trying to explain, express or communicate your feelings?
For many people, understanding the realm of emotions is as challenging as trying to make sense of a foreign language. As someone who didn’t begin learning English until I was thirty-one, I understand how difficult it can be to express complex feelings and desires with only a limited vocabulary to draw from. In fact, it was in the process of studying English that I discovered my own innate ability to interpret emotions. I have since discovered that emotions speak in a language all their own. Imagine if you had a dictionary of emotions that can translate your feelings into words and that you can use it to help you sort through your feelings, regain clarity and control, and make a deliberate plan of action that is both intuitive and intelligent. To help others, I have developed a Lexicon of Emotions (which is being published summer of 2010).
Most of us believe that life is about the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, we are unaware that if the objective of life were to have only one feeling, human life would be one long, boring experience. Instead of searching for one feeling predominantly, we should look for a variety of feelings: instead of happiness only, we should recognize that what we really want is to feel proud of who we are and what we have accomplished, we want to feel challenged, inspired, admired, appreciated, engaged, content…and many other feelings.
The true value of emotions is not in how pleasant or unpleasant they are, how good or bad they are to experience, but in the purpose they intend to serve. Every emotion has a specific message informing you about something worthy of your attention. By examining your emotional reactions, you can identify the “place” that you think you occupy and the “role” you believe you are playing in any given relationship or situation. Once you identify where you stand in relation to your circumstances, you can then choose to maintain your current position or to take a different course. As you discover the true purpose of your own emotions, you will begin to welcome their presence in your life; paying attention to them, curiously examining them, uncovering their hidden meanings, and benefiting from their wisdom and guidance.