What Are Emotions, Really?
A Science-Based Exploration into Our Feelings and Their Importance.
Emotions play a significant role in our daily lives, influencing our decisions, shaping our relationships, and moulding our self-identity. They encompass more than just fleeting feelings; rather, they are complex, evolving experiences that are intricately linked to our perceptions and interactions with the environment. As we delve deeper into what emotions truly are, we begin to realise that they serve as pivotal guides through the labyrinth of life, steering us in ways we often underestimate.
Emotions: More Than Just Brain Reactions
For many years, the popular belief was that emotions originated from specific areas of the brain, a view rooted in historical perspectives of emotional science. However, this notion has been challenged by contemporary neuroscience. Recent research underscores that emotions are not merely the result of biological switches being flipped in our brains; instead, they are constructed experiences that arise from the intricate interplay between our brain, body, environment, and memories. As highlighted by Lisa Feldman Barrett (2017), a leading figure in emotion research, “Your brain doesn’t find emotions in the world; it creates them.” This assertion invites us to reconsider how we understand and experience emotions on a fundamental level.
Defining Emotions: A Whole-Body Experience
To truly grasp the essence of emotions, we must recognise that they extend far beyond mere feelings. Emotions involve a comprehensive bodily state that prepares us for both real and anticipated events. When we experience an emotion, it often manifests through various physical sensations—whether it’s a surge of energy that compels us to act or the tightening of muscles that signals tension. These bodily responses prepare us for action, assessing the significance of a situation and sometimes triggering an instinct to communicate, retreat, connect, or protect. Emotions are not passive responses; rather, they are adaptive strategies that navigate us through life’s myriad complexities, enabling us to respond to our surroundings appropriately.
The Purpose of Emotions: A Survival Mechanism
Emotions likely evolved as crucial support for our survival, assisting not only humans but also animals in navigating their environments. Research in affective neuroscience points to the existence of core emotional systems common to many species. These systems facilitate essential functions:
- the drive for curiosity and exploration (seeking),
- the instinct to evade danger (fear),
- the need to defend boundaries (rage),
- the deep-seated reactions to attachment distress (panic/grief); and
- the social learning encouraged by play.
Such systems are not rigid frameworks; they are fluid experiences shaped significantly by context and individual circumstances, illustrating the adaptability of emotional responses.
Understanding Emotions: Constructed, Not Fixed
In understanding emotions, it becomes vital to recognise that they are context-dependent experiences rather than hardwired responses. This concept is particularly illuminating; two individuals may perceive identical physical sensations—one might feel excitement in a crowded room, while another could experience overwhelming anxiety. The distinct interpretations of these sensations are moulded by various factors, including cultural background, language, and personal history.
As Barrett (2017) suggests, “Emotion is not about what’s happening; it’s about what your brain believes is happening based on your past.” This emphasises the intricate relationship between emotion and cognition, revealing how our previous experiences shape our present emotional landscapes.
Rethinking Emotional Differences: Beyond the “Deficit” Approach
Variations in emotional responses are often mischaracterised as disorders or deficits—a viewpoint that can be misleading and limiting. For instance, a person who is highly sensitive may find a bustling workplace overwhelming, yet thrive in more creative pursuits like art or counselling.
Similarly, a child intensely focused on a niche interest might struggle in traditional academic environments but excel in research or design settings. Rather than attempting to “fix” diverse emotional profiles, we should aim to understand and support individuals in environments that cater to their unique needs, thereby celebrating the richness of emotional diversity.
Introducing Neury®: Embrace Your Emotional Journey
In this landscape of emotional understanding, innovations like Neury® are invaluable. This innovative app, rooted in neuroscience, is designed to help users gain insights into their emotional and cognitive patterns. As outlined in Steve’s book, The NeuroCog System Manual (Wolfsen 2024), he explores the four domains of our emotional palette: Glad, Sad, Mad & Anxious, reflecting the scientific consensus around these core emotional states. While it is not a therapeutic tool and does not offer diagnoses, Neury® provides various functionalities, including tools for emotion and attention tracking, reflective prompts to identify patterns, and regulation techniques like breathing exercises. As users engage with Neury®, they are empowered to become curious observers of their emotional landscapes, fostering a non-judgmental exploration of their feelings.
The Importance of Emotional Insight
Understanding our emotions is not merely about control; it is about cultivating a positive and constructive relationship with them. Through consistent practice, we can learn to respond rather than react, pause instead of panic, and communicate our needs rather than withdraw in silence. This journey toward self-awareness is precisely where Neury® shines. By illuminating our emotional experiences, the app not only makes these feelings more visible but also more comprehensible, guiding users toward healthier emotional practices and responses.
Neurocognitive training emphasises that the goal is not to force conformity to societal norms but rather to help individuals enhance their inner capacity for adaptation, reflection, and emotional regulation—approaches that resonate with their unique selves. Whether navigating stress, attention issues, or the complexities of daily life, the ability to recognise and engage with one’s emotions leads to improved outcomes and a deeper understanding of personal needs.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Human Complexity
In conclusion, emotions are not problems to be solved; they are integral to our journey of meaning-making, survival, and personal growth. Instead of questioning, “Why am I this way?” we can shift our inquiry to “What is this emotion revealing about my needs?”
With tools like Neury®, we can learn to listen, reflect, and respond with newfound clarity and confidence. As we embrace the complexity of our emotional experiences, we open the door to richer, more fulfilling lives.
Ready to start your journey towards better understanding your emotions?
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Frijda, N. (1986). The Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
Gu, S. et al (2019). A model for basic emotions using observations of behavior in Drosophila. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 781.
LeDoux, J. (2000). Emotion circuits in the brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23, 155-184.
Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience. Oxford University Press.
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Wolfsen, SS (2024). The NeuroCog System Manual: The Neuroscientific Approach to Living a Better Life, Neurocog Pty Ltd Sydney.
