The Role of Emotions

Maybe you think of yourself as a “rational” person. Society tells us that we should not be “emotional”, especially if you are a boy or a man. But is that even possible? And is that actually wise?

Emotions are signals our body or inner self give to us when we are in certain environments. It is how people dynamically interpret and construct their experience in the present moment when they encounter their environment. Emotions direct how people relate to their world and inform them of their needs and fears. They are the link between the inner and outer realities of a person. Emotion is also viewed as experiential because when it is expressed, it draws certain responses from others. Think of how children relate to their parents. When parents are physically present, and yet emotionally distant, the children feel distressed and disconnected to them.

Many highly functional people I meet have managed to ignore their emotions in order not to be too easily influenced by them. I agree that our emotions need to be managed somehow and that we cannot just do whatever we feel like doing. However, in blocking out or refusing to listen to the signals our body is giving us, we might be missing out on some vital messages telling us what we really need and what is actually going on.

We all know of people who do not admit or deal with their anger towards someone else. They are often hostile, touchy and impatient! Emotions are tricky things. When people ignore them, they do not really go away, and you see those emotions as clear as day in their everyday interactions. Sometimes, that person is just totally oblivious to it! Other times, people wonder why they are reacting so strongly towards certain situations. Some people admit to having “unhealthy emotions” that disrupt their lives, and wish they could get rid of them.

When we refuse to get in touch with our feelings, we are not able to distinguish the different levels and types of emotions we experience. We are not able to work through past hurtful experiences and learn not to lose ourselves to bitterness. We are not able to bond with our loved ones in a way we would love to. We are not able to experience or appreciate the pains and joys of lives. We are not able to be fully honest with ourselves and those we love.

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Lainey Weiss, General Counsellor (on Student Placement)
BEng (Hons), GDipTheol, GDipCouns(c)
T. 9639 3875; 0423 387 182; E. lainey@counselcc.net.au

http://appointment.counselcc.net.au.

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