Understanding Our Emotions: The Path to Self-Discovery
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Our Emotions
Who Are We as Humans?
Photo by Free Walking Tour Salzburg on Unsplash
During my upbringing in India, showing emotions like crying was often frowned upon for boys. Phrases like, "Boys don’t cry!" echoed around me, instilling a notion that expressing sadness was a weakness. This cultural conditioning is harmful, especially since life inevitably brings pain that needs processing.
Crying serves as a vital mechanism for calming our nervous systems; yet, when societal expectations overshadow personal feelings, it can lead to tragic outcomes. The association of crying with gender roles may have stemmed from media portrayals or the patriarchal structure of society that equates emotional expression with fragility. Consequently, many individuals suppress their tears, enduring unnecessary pain rather than finding relief through expression.
Misunderstanding Emotions
Humans often make illogical associations, linking concepts without clear rationale. Take crying, which is beneficial for our well-being, yet it is frequently viewed as a sign of weakness or embarrassment. A significant factor contributing to this misunderstanding is our limited comprehension of our emotions.
For instance, the stereotype that women are more emotional than men is a misconception. Scientific studies reveal that emotional responses are largely shaped by societal teachings rather than biological differences.
The Learning of Emotions
I have a young niece who has just begun her journey in kindergarten. She’s being encouraged to articulate her feelings, learning to identify emotions like sadness—perhaps stemming from not getting the toy she desired. This is a pivotal stage in her emotional development, much like the one we all experience as children.
We each encounter sadness at various points in our lives, but the meaning of that sadness can vary significantly from person to person. This variance is tied to the unique neural pathways shaped by our individual experiences. Despite our differences, we all share a vocabulary for emotions—like "sadness"—taught to us by caregivers during childhood.
This pattern applies to all emotions, whether joy, anger, or emptiness. The way we categorize these feelings is influenced by our upbringing, and the lessons learned can have profound effects on our mental health if misunderstood.
Who are we as humans?
Why do we experience emotions like sadness or joy?
What about the times we feel nothing at all?
What drives our emotional responses?
The answers to these questions lie in understanding the formation of our emotional framework as we transition from childhood to adulthood.
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Chapter 2: The Journey to Self-Discovery
The first video, "How a Journey to Self-Discovery Will Set You Free," by Puck Kroonsberg, explores the transformative power of understanding oneself. It highlights the liberation that comes from embracing our true emotions and experiences.
The second video, "Unveiling Hidden Emotions: The Journey to Self-Discovery," delves into recognizing and addressing our suppressed feelings. It underscores the importance of emotional awareness in personal growth and self-acceptance.