Feelings: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

This was a title of a popular Western movie in the 60s, and indeed in life we will encounter situations we may consider good, bad, or ugly. It’s just the way our mind works. Our mind is an expert evaluator of feelings. When individuals are asked what feelings they would consider good, bad or ugly, they can readily create a list for each category. Feelings are neither good nor bad. They are simply emotions that arise depending on situations we encounter. They can run their course if we allow them to do so. Society and our upbringing influence the way we look at our feelings. As we get older our mind becomes our own judge and tells us whether a feeling is good, bad, or ugly. “You should not be anxious. You are a mess!” Have you noticed what happens when you hear those words in your mind? Most likely you start rejecting the feeling because you believe you are not supposed to have it. “I should not be anxious. Calm down. I hate this!” As our mind tries to help us, the specific feeling that we try to control skyrockets –the opposite of what we were trying to accomplish. The more we fight it, the more it lingers. Feelings are part of our nature. We can learn to look at them as such — feelings. Feelings have a function. Our body receives constant cues from the external world that bring about thoughts, feelings, sensations, and urges. Our mind then helps us respond accordingly. For example, when we perceive danger, fear sets in so we can find protection. Though we...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Habits Happiness Mindfulness Emotional Dysregulation Emotional Regulation Feelings Strong Emotion Source Type: blogs