The path to Tranquility (spring)
27. Being an observer of emotions
Emotions are an inevitable part of life, and they can affect our thoughts,
behaviors, and physical state at any time. Learning to observe emotions, not
only prevents our own emotions from overflowing, but also helps us understand
the emotions and behaviors of others.
We should not judge emotions as good or bad, because such judgments are also emotional behaviors. If we judge our emotions in terms of joy or sadness, it is easy for us to magnify our emotions and be overwhelmed by them, so that we cannot see clearly the origins of our emotions. We should observe emotions with awareness and treat them with equality. For example, by using letters to distinguish between emotion A and emotion B, we can distance ourselves from our emotions. When emotion A disappears and emotion B appears, we will find that if emotion A is judged as happiness and emotion B is judged as sadness, it may not be so accurate.
Both happiness and sadness are complex emotions that contain many different elements. The so-called joy means that there are things that we want to keep, which means that we have desires. Sadness means that we don't accept something, that we are resisting it. Retention or resistance, that is, liking or hating, are all operated by our inner unconscious. When emotions arise, we are not aware that there is nothing in the world that must be kept or nothing that cannot be accepted. Therefore, as long as our focus changes, whether to keep or not, resist or not, like or not, will also change accordingly.
We can practice for a period of time, giving various emotions the most bland names. Then, just like watching a movie, watch the emotional scenes of clouds rolling and relaxing, sunrise and sunset. Doing so can help us become true observers of emotions. By letting emotions be guided by reason, and letting the mind and life synchronize, we can be able to see our true needs without being affected by emotions.
Life is only attracted to those things that keep it alive and prosperous, so we instinctively stay away from things that cause life to be lost or destroyed. However, our ego often works against life, controlling our emotions and driving us to gamble with our lives and pray for an imaginary eternity. Therefore, observing emotions is a very important step in understanding ourselves and increasing our consciousness.
By observing emotions, we can gain insight into the illusory nature of the self and its negative effects, regain control of our emotions, and keep our lives away from gambling. Under the protection of consciousness, we can not only smoothly experience the rich feelings brought by emotions, making our body and mind healthier, but also share beautiful experiences with others.
26. Let the inner child to grow
28. Love is like clear spring water
