Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Even from the first onset of an emotion, e.g. anger, we have the power to choose how the emotion will turn out, whether locked in a rigid mood (Bitterness) or transformed into positive energy (Fulfillment). Anger, by itself, does not impel us to do any one thing, because, unlike all other animal life, we have the ability to reflect and choose. The choices of an animal are immediate, non-reflective, stimulus-bound, and instinctive - not a choice at all.
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It is also true that you can, by choice, not see choices at all. One current, somewhat popular way to express freedom is to act impulsively in a determined way, and avoid the responsibility that goes with choice. The end-state is often thrill-seeking, addictiveness, crime, conflict, a poverty of interests and troubles of every kind. Many are adept at inventing reasons for all the bad fortune in life that results from this: a poor boss, lousy weather, lack of money, a bad mood, and much more.
In perhaps no other realm of mind are there such extreme consequences of your choices than in emotional expression and action. Emotions are nearly pure energy that will not stay still, just as a fire can consume or serve you. Emotions compel action that will have their way whether we pay attention to them or not. And if they are not fulfilled, they will not just go away. In the case of anger, the same emotion that can make us blame, accuse, collect injustices,and nurse resentment or bloody vengeance is the same emotion that fills an authentic need, with high satisfaction.
It is beguiling that many of our choices in life seem ready-made. friends, clothes, lifestyle, home, car and other things seem natural choices. It may be a bit harder to realize we choose our values, beliefs, and even our attitudes. Emotions are that much murkier" they can seem to come with no choice at all, whether we go by our gut feelings or deal with them conventionally. Then again, emotions can be so upsetting that we wish we could be a "rock", glad to be rid of them, especially the "negative" emotions, and avoid choice altogether.
Yet choice gives us freedom and fulfillment. Just as anger can lead to fulfilling a need, so fear mastered leads to freedom, sadness to renewal, hurt to reconciliation, disgust to respect. All the pages of this blog, my Ebooks and other writings deal with this choice.
About Dr. Raynard
Dr. Richard Raynard is a licensed clinical psychologist with 35 years experience resolving a broad range of emotional problems. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist who has specialized in anxiety and phobic disorders since 1980, I have spent the last 35 years fulfilling my life-long desire to explore and define the true purpose of emotions and how people can easily use emotions to create meaning and satisfaction in their lives. Dr. Raynard's series of books on emotions can be found on Amazon.com. His other books include Don't Panic, and Anxiety & Panic Medications.
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