Emotions: How They’re Made & How to Master Them

Where do these emotions come from? What are emotions? How can we cultivate healthy emotions that improve our own wellbeing, and thereby our positive impact on the world? 

That’s what I want to talk about today.

Here's a little taste...

Most people think emotions run their lives, but, in her popular Ted Talk, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, says that, “Emotions are not what we think they are...They are not hardwired brain reactions that are uncontrollable...emotions are guesses...Your brain is predicting. It's using past experience based on similar situations to try to make meaning.”

When you’re confronted with a situation, your mind and body will try to make sense of it by reading your body’s automatic physical response, and running through past thoughts/feelings. This happens instantly and automatically to give you an initial understanding of the situation. 

The Stoics called this initial impression phantasia. They believed that your emotions are a result of value judgements you’re making about what’s happening, and it seems that they were right. As Epictetus said, “It’s not things that upset us but our judgments about things.”

Visit sarahmikutel.com for full show notes.

Enjoy the episode!

P.S. You'll hear me talking about a traveling arts festival that stirred my emotions. If you'd like to contribute to The Walk or related charities go here 👉 https://www.walkwithamal.org

❤️

Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there?

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