The path to Tranquility (spring)
25. Emotions are like kaleidoscope patterns
Emotions are our inner creations, and the external environment only provides materials and inducements. If we have no fear in our hearts, even if the outside world changes dramatically, it is difficult to stir up waves. However, we are often torn into pieces by various fears, forming multiple selves. These different aspects have their own desires, which pull and intertwine with each other, forming endless emotional fluctuations.
The same event may trigger opposite emotions in different people. Some people feel that their world has collapsed after losing their job, while others see it as a new opportunity and are full of hope. It can be seen that the root of emotions lies not in the event itself, but in our interpretation and attitude towards the event. Once we understand this, we can understand that the real source of emotions is internal cognition, not external environment.
Emotions are made up of many elements—physiological reactions, psychological feelings, and external situations. The way and degree of their combination determines the intensity and nature of the emotion. Therefore, our emotions are like the patterns spinning in a kaleidoscope, with infinite colors, beautiful but elusive.
Cultural background also profoundly influences the way we experience and express emotions. In some cultures, anger can be expressed freely; in other cultures, anger is considered rude. Cultural differences not only affect our understanding of emotions, but also determine how we manage and release them. Cultures that value harmony tend to suppress emotions; cultures that emphasize individual expression encourage the expression of emotions.
We can make a metaphor like this: in the kaleidoscope of emotions, red glass fragments symbolize passion and love, blue represents melancholy and depression, yellow tells of happiness and excitement, green embodies calmness and tranquility, purple exudes mystery and romance... These colors undergo various changes with time and projection, which is dazzling.
Emotions are not only psychological phenomena, they also affect our physiological systems. When we are anxious, our heart rate speeds up and our palms sweat; when we are happy, dopamine surges, making us feel comfortable both physically and mentally. Being aware of these changes will help us identify emotions faster and take specific actions to regulate them. For example, deep breathing can relieve physical tension and calm emotional fluctuations.
The center of the kaleidoscope is made up of colored glass fragments. Our imagination is like the glass lens next to it, amplifying the projection of emotions. As long as someone shakes it gently, our mood will change immediately. Not only that, even if the outside world is calm, just recalling the past or worrying about the future is enough to evoke sadness. But this sadness does not represent the deterioration of reality, but a change in our mentality.
The subconscious mind also has a profound influence on emotions. People who have experienced betrayal may unconsciously distrust new relationships and often feel anxious. This emotion is not caused by the present, but is the result of past trauma. Only through reflection and awareness can we break free from the shackles of the subconscious mind.
When we understand that our mentality can control our emotions, we will no longer be easily affected by them. When we feel sad, we should not blame the environment, but return to our own hearts. In this way, we can truly solve the root cause of the emotion instead of just suppressing it.
Developing emotional intelligence is essential for effective emotion management. Being able to discern your own and others’ emotions and respond rationally is fundamental to building relationships and improving the quality of life. For example, in a workplace conflict, a person with high emotional intelligence is able to understand the other person’s position and deal with it in a rational and constructive way, thereby defusing the tense situation.
Increasing awareness, reducing delusions, and cultivating deep thinking are all good ways to deal with negative emotions. If we can understand emotions, live with emotions, and focus on the messages they convey, we can take control of our lives. Happiness and sadness are both emotional experiences. As long as we don't judge and let emotions come and go like clouds, our hearts can flow easily. Physical training is a practical tool to practice this emotional flow; focusing on moving our limbs every day can help us let go of regrets about the past and anxieties about the future. When consciousness focuses on the present, emotions will naturally return to calm.
However, joy and sadness are short-lived, and new emotions are born at any time. Emotions are constantly changing. If we let emotions dominate our behavior, it is easy to fall into chaos; if we regard them as signals to guide the body, we can draw wisdom from the environment. Through analysis and understanding, our actions will be more organized and our hearts will be more orderly.
In the ups and downs of life, emotional resilience allows us to bounce back quickly from lows. After a setback, resilient people are able to draw nourishment from it and start over. However, self-compassion is the foundation of emotional resilience - when we are feeling down, gently telling ourselves "don't worry, it's only temporary, everything will be fine" can heal our sadness more than self-criticism. Ultimately, only by learning to accept all possibilities in life can we maintain positive and stable emotions.
The beauty of a kaleidoscope lies in its ever-changing patterns. The same is true of emotions. When we are willing to observe them with our hearts and face them with love, we can feel their rich colors. If we learn to establish a sincere connection with others and let emotions become a medium of communication, we will not only be the carriers of emotions, but also the creators and guides of emotions. In this way, our lives can also bloom with colorful light like a kaleidoscope.
24. We need to graduate from the School of Life
26. Let the inner child to grow
