Our Changeable Feelings
by Linda Anderson Krech
If smart watches could track each of our emotions throughout the course of a day, we might be shocked to see the data. Over the course of a day, or an hour, or even just 5 minutes, we may cover a lot of emotional territory.
When we forget how changeable our feelings are, we’re more inclined to act on them, rather than coexist with them for a little while. For example, if we forget that our craving will pass soon enough, especially if we change our environment and shift our attention, then we’re more likely to indulge. If we forget that our flash of anger will lose its edge soon enough, we’re less likely to keep our cool in the meantime.
Dr. Takehisa Kora, a student of Dr. Morita, has this to say:
“The most important characteristic of emotions is that strong feelings subside with the passage of time if they are left to run their course. Our lives would be destroyed by suffering, were it not for this phenomenon. For example, if the pain of a hard blow, such as the death of one’s child, remained as strong as in the beginning, then no one could survive the endless pain. In fact, however, the waves of emotions rise and fall, gradually tapering off, whether we like it or not. Some people either ignore or do not know this principle of emotions, and they become desperate when they encounter trouble, as if it would last forever. They cannot trust the passage of time. An expert in living knows that however terrible his experience may be, his unpleasant feelings will fade with time, and so he can live with optimism.”
If we focus on our feelings and stimulate them by talking about them, thinking about them, and nurturing them with our energy and attention, they are likely to last longer. That dynamic holds true for delicious feelings such as love and appreciation, as well as feelings we struggle with, such as anger and jealousy. So if you want your feeling(s) to change, don’t keep them on center stage. Shift your attention to other aspects of life, away from your disturbing feeing. As you tune into other aspects of life, your feelings will begin to settle down. Feelings fade naturally with the passage of time.
And they also can be influenced by behavior. Feelings may settle down while you fold laundry or sweep the deck, especially if you pay close attention to what you are doing. The more you engage your senses, the more quickly your emotions will settle down. Such guidance can sound oversimplified, but it’s grounded in wisdom and based on true dynamics we can experience for ourselves. Do your own research and see what you discover.
