Mind and Mood
The coming and going of emotions is a natural part of being human. As
simple and obvious as this sounds it's important to keep in mind. Often, we find
ourselves wanting certain emotions and not others, fueling or forcing some, while repressing
others.
The healthy approach to the mind and emotions is
allowing space for any emotion as it spontaneously arises, giving it proper
attention, and allowing it to pass on its own. This, as opposed to attempting to create certain moods or emotions while
remaining on the prowl to nip other emotions in the bud, before they get out of
hand.
There is a thought that we are in 'control' of our moods, or that we
must take control. With this control we can shape our mindset to fit whatever we
desire. Though there is certainly an appeal to this approach, thousands of years
of clinical practice has taught the Chinese medical practitioner that such
practices are the basis of illness.
Perhaps it would be of benefit to think of emotions
like other basic physiological processes. We wouldn't 'try' to urinate if there
were no instinctive need to (with certain exceptions, especially in the presence
of certain medical conditions). We don't put effort into exhaling; we simply do
it as the need spontaneously arises. And we don't think about sweating in order
to produce the act. It simply happens when it needs to.
Moods are similar. They spontaneously arise as needed, as appropriate.
Forcing ourselves to 'be happy' in the absence of a generative event just
doesn't feel right. Even if one found some degree of success, this contrived
happiness is a mere shadow, a hallow imitation of the genuine thing. Similarly,
trying to force one's self out of a 'bad' mood is like trying to stop yourself
from shivering when you're really cold. It's difficult and, actually, unhealthy.
Experience tells us that we should make room for our
emotions. When they arise, pay attention - experience them. Often this will be
enough for them to pass on their own, which we could allow to occur without
challenge.
Now, it should be stated that just as with any other
bodily process, certain illnesses may cause improper functioning of the
emotions. It is possible to get 'stuck' in a certain mood, or to seemingly be
locked out of others. This is where proper medical attention is needed. Shy of
these more serious conditions, though, and on a day-to-day basis, allow for the
free flow of moods and emotions, holding on to and forcing none.
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