Within the complexity of human consciousness, emotions reign as powerful forces, shaping our perceptions, decisions, and ultimately, our lives. Yet, what if I told you that not all emotions are created equal? What if some of the feelings we hold dear are mere illusions crafted by our minds? Brace yourself, because we're about to embark on a journey to explore why your mind-made emotions aren't as real as they seem.
Picture this: you're standing in front of a crowd, about to give a speech. Your heart quickens, your breath becomes shallow, and butterflies flutter in your stomach. Classic signs of fear, right? Not necessarily. While these physical sensations might mimic fear, they could also stem from excitement or anticipation. In this scenario, your mind interprets the situation based on past experiences, societal norms, and personal beliefs, constructing an emotional response that may not accurately reflect reality.
“Our brains are master storytellers, weaving narratives to make sense of the world around us.”
Our brains are master storytellers, weaving narratives to make sense of the world around us. When faced with uncertainty, they often fill in the gaps with assumptions and interpretations, leading to misreadings of both events and emotions. Consider jealousy, for example. You witness your loved one laughing with another, and immediately, jealousy flares within you. But is their behaviour truly a threat to your relationship, or is it your mind's interpretation that ignites the flames of jealousy?
THE ROLE OF confirmation bias
Furthermore, our emotions are deeply influenced by cognitive biases and distortions. Confirmation bias, for instance, nudges us to seek evidence that supports our existing beliefs, while overlooking contradictory information. This selective attention skews our perception, reinforcing the validity of our mind-made emotions.
Consider someone, let's call her Emily, who firmly believes that drinking a glass of red wine every day is beneficial for heart health. Whenever she comes across articles or hears anecdotes that support this belief, she feels reassured and validated in her habit. However, she tends to ignore or dismiss any research or testimonials that suggest otherwise, such as studies linking alcohol consumption to negative health outcomes.
By selectively filtering information to align with her preconceived notions, Emily shields herself from feelings of doubt or concern about her red wine consumption. This avoidance of conflicting information helps maintain her positive emotional state and reinforces her belief in the health benefits of red wine.
The INFLUENCE of hindsight bIas
Similarly, hindsight bias, with its knack for reshaping our perceptions of past events, can significantly impact our emotional responses. When we look back on a situation and convince ourselves that we knew all along that things would turn out badly, it can lead to feelings of frustration, regret, or even self-blame.
Consider a scenario where a relationship ends, and upon reflection, we convince ourselves that we should have seen it coming. We may berate ourselves for not recognising the warning signs or making different choices. This hindsight bias amplifies our emotional response, intensifying feelings of sadness, disappointment, or anger.
Likewise, in moments of personal failure or adversity, hindsight bias can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. We may look back and perceive our past actions as obvious mistakes, overlooking the uncertainty and complexity we faced at the time. This distorted view of the past can fuel negative self-talk and undermine our confidence, leading to heightened emotional distress.
On the contrary, hindsight bias can also colour our memories of past successes, distorting our sense of accomplishment and diminishing the challenges we overcame. We may downplay the effort and perseverance required to achieve our goals. This can lead to a sense of disillusionment or dissatisfaction, as our emotional response fails to align with the reality of our achievements.
DISTINGUISHING THE IMPERMANENT FROM THe INNATE
Perhaps the most compelling evidence against the authenticity of mind-made emotions lies in their impermanence. Think of a time when you were consumed by worry or anxiety, only to realise later that your fears were unfounded. You recognised that your emotions were products of your mind's interpretation, not reflections of objective reality.
So, what does all this mean for our understanding of emotions? Does it diminish their significance, relegating them to mere figments of our imagination?
Rooted in ancient Taoist philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong sheds light on a fundamental distinction: the difference between emotions that are entangled with the mind’s analysis of the past and future projections, and genuine present-moment emotional states.
Moreover, Qigong helps us become aware and accepting of the entirety of our emotional experiences without judgment.
“Qigong empowers us to separate fact from fiction when it comes to emotions. ”
Qigong empowers us to separate fact from fiction when it comes to emotions. Mind-made emotions, shaped by our thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations, are often fleeting and reactive, influenced by cognitive biases and distortions.
In contrast, the emotions accessed through Qigong - when the mind becomes still and present - are rooted in our inherent wisdom and flow naturally and freely when our energy is balanced.
Far from diminishing the significance of emotions, this distinction highlights their complexity and richness. While mind-made emotions may be transient and influenced by external factors, genuine innate emotional states offer a deeper connection to our true selves and a greater sense of authenticity.
Through gentle movements, breathwork, and mindfulness, Qigong attunes us to the subtle nuances of our feelings so that we gain greater insight into ourselves and the complex interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
THE PATH OF Emotional mastery
By cultivating awareness and presence through practices like Qigong, we can begin to embrace all of our emotional experiences with compassion and wisdom. Rather than being swept away by the tumultuous currents of our mind-made emotions, we learn to witness them with detachment, recognizing them for what they are – temporary phenomena arising from our thoughts and perceptions.
So, the next time you find yourself swept away by a whirlwind of emotions, pause for a moment of introspection. Ask yourself: are these feelings a true reflection of reality, or are they the product of my mind's interpretation? By questioning the authenticity of our mind-made emotions, we open the door to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the intricacies of human consciousness.
After all, in a world where perception shapes reality, the journey to uncovering what is true and real for us begins within the depths of our own minds.
About the author: Kerrie Womersley is a Certified Advanced Holden Qigong Teacher and Advanced Soul Realignment ‘Akashic Records’ Reader, helping people discover their true Divine nature. Connect with her by visiting www.findyourselfnow.com.
The Find Yourself Qigong Online Studio is a safe and sacred space, especially for empaths, introverts and sensitive people who want to master the Spiritual Qigong secrets to becoming invulnerable to the negative energy of others. Become an Online Studio Member and refine your natural intuition for a divinely guided life.