Emotional Aikido

Notes

Claim

Aikido is the art of using the opponents strength against him, to use his Momentum is movement that builds self-reinforcing forward action as his downfall, as they say "the bigger they are, the harder they fall". Emotional aikido is very similar, but deals with our emotions instead.

Explanation

Emotions are not a random, weird by-product of evolution. They have always been a tool that helps us take action Emotions provide decision-relevant information when navigating choices. Each emotion can become a source of energy, if we know how to tap it. Using the energy emotions provide us, we can turn negative situations into moments of Taking active control rather than accepting circumstances passively.

The main way of tapping the energy emotions bring is through reframing the situation from backwards looking (why has this happened), to forward looking (what can I do about it). To understand which emotion you are experiencing, and how you can convert it to something positive requires Introspection develops self-knowledge through internal examination

Why it matters

When we feel Fear is a primal survival emotion triggered by perceived danger, Stress can be adaptive or harmful depending on perception and context, Anger is information that something should be different, Jealousy is focusing on what others have that we lack, what is easier? To try and suppress these emotions, bury them deep inside and hoping they will never come out? Or, is it easier to use them as our inner fuel for becoming a better person.

Examples

If you are angry at your boss, use this anger either to try to make a change in your current job (fixing what's bugging you), or bring you strength for the exhausting process of finding a new job. If you are afraid of failure, understand exactly what frightens you - these are your weak points that you have to work on the most. If you are envy of someone else, learn how they got to where they are so that you could imitate their process and advance as well.

Supporters

Opposers

Suppressing emotions is not only a wishful thinking, it's harmful. Suppressed emotions either lead to Emotional hijacking is uncontrolled System 1 dominance over reasoning when we can't hold them back anymore, erupting like a volcano that hurts us and those closest to us, or they could eat us from the inside, often leading to Depression is chronic despair from helplessness and lost meaning. We can't ignore our emotions away, but also - why should we?

Open questions

Visual

Overview

🔼Topic:: Emotions as Signals ◀Origin:: 🔗Link::