Emotional Awareness

by Marie Harger |

The old school view of emotions is that of weakness. Boys were sissies if they cried and girls, well…just plain weak or over sensitive. Today scientists, such as Richard Lane at the University of Arizona have discovered the importance of the connection between emotions and the brain. In his lecture at UCLA, 2007 he talks about the clinical importance of knowing what you are feeling: Insights from Brain Science. Research evidence shows people are healthier physically and mentally when they are emotionally aware.

The investigations of the interactions between the brain and emotions show the immune system and overall health are greatly impacted by positive emotions and attitudes. These emotions include love, hope, faith, the will to live, celebration, intention and purpose determination.

Dr. Norman Counsin, professor of medical humanities at UCLA created the UCLA program in Psychoneuroimmunology, which examines the relationship between the brain, nervous system and immune system. This program links Neuroscience with human behavior and emotions.

Many people actively participate in exercise, nutritional guidelines and lifestyle changes to reap the benefits of health. Promoting health can be approached from many angles and often emotional health is neglected. Culturally, we are not taught how to manage emotions as they arise, as some emotions are more acceptable than others. Incorporating, integrating and simply just feeling your emotions rather than stuffing and resisting them, will ensure overall health.
Emotions are processed in many different regions of the brain. Emotional centers are below the cerebral cortex, which separates humans from all other animals. When feeling an emotion, experience it physically in the body. Where is it? How does it feel? What space does it occupy?

Try not to engage in any mental dialog around it; asking Why you feel this way will fuel the emotions. For it to dissolve, observing, feeling and sensing it is essential.

Emotional health translates to a healthy brain and the result is a healthy body, mind and spirit.

References:

1. Sweeny, Michael. BRAIN The Complete Mind. National Geographic, Washington, D.C. , 2009
2. UCLA Confers Mani Bhaumik Award to Arizona Scientist for Insights into the Mind-body connection. November 26, 2007
3. Dr. Joe Dispenza. Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind, Health Communications, Inc. Deerfield Beach, FL., 2007