Negative emotions are a completely normal part of being human, and it’s essential to understand that they serve a purpose in our lives. According to Dr. Susan David, a psychologist and author, “Emotions are data, they give us information.” (1). Instead of dismissing or suppressing negative emotions, we can view them as valuable teachers that can offer insights into our personal journey and the important lessons we need to learn.
Understanding the patterns in which negative emotions arise is crucial in our emotional growth. By paying attention to how and when these emotions pop up for us, we can gain valuable self-awareness. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a psychologist and neuroscientist, explained in her TedTalk: “…the lesson here is that emotions which seem to happen to you are actually made by you. You are not at the mercy of mythical emotion circuits which are buried deep inside some ancient part of your brain. You have more control over your emotions than you think you do” (2). By recognizing recurring triggers for negative emotions, we can better understand ourselves and the underlying factors contributing to these feelings. This self-awareness provides us with the opportunity to develop effective strategies to combat negativity.
While positive thoughts can be helpful in shifting our mindset, it’s important to acknowledge that being comfortable with discomfort is also a crucial aspect of personal growth. Negative emotions can serve as signposts that guide us towards areas where we need to delve deeper within ourselves. Another quote from Dr. Susan David from her book states that, “…discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life” (1). Embracing negativity as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth can lead to a greater understanding of ourselves at a deeper level.
In order to navigate through negative thoughts and emotions, incorporating daily grounding or centering practices can be highly beneficial. These practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, or even physical activities like yoga, help bring our minds and bodies back to a neutral state. By creating a sense of “space” within ourselves, we can observe our negative thoughts without judgment and make conscious choices in response to them.
In summary, negative emotions are a normal part of the human experience and offer valuable lessons for personal growth. Understanding the patterns in which they arise, using positivity to combat negativity, and embracing discomfort as an opportunity for self-reflection are important steps in this process. Daily grounding or centering practices can provide us with the necessary space and clarity to navigate through negative thoughts and emotions.
Further study:
- (1) David, Susan. Emotional Agility. Penguin Random House, 2016.
- (2) Barrett, Lisa F. You aren’t at the mercy of your emotions — your brain creates them. TedTalks, December 2017. ****Link: ****https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_feldman_barrett_you_aren_t_at_the_mercy_of_your_emotions_your_brain_creates_them/transcript?language=en
- (3) Barrett, Lisa F. How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. First Mariner books, 2017.
- (4) NOVA PBS. Your Brain: Perception Deception. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU6LfXNeQM4, 2023
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