Emotions and Feelings

Welcome to a journey into the amazing world of emotions – those invisible forces that govern our lives, shape our inner world, and influence every step we take. Have you ever wondered why some feelings make us soar with happiness, while others pull us into the shadow of sadness? Why can fear paralyze us, while love inspires? What lies behind joy, anger, envy, or gratitude? And how can we understand these mysterious signals of the soul so as not to get lost in their labyrinth? This book is not just a collection of definitions and psychological theories. It is a key to understanding yourself, your reactions, and your deep motives. Here you will find answers to questions you may have asked yourself all your life: where do emotions come from, how do they affect our body and mind, why do some feelings bring light, while others bring darkness. We will embark on a journey through each feeling – from fear to joy, from pain to hope. We will uncover their secrets through the lenses of science, spirituality, religion, and mythology, learning how different cultures and traditions explain and work with emotions. You will learn not only to recognize your feelings but also to manage them, transform negativity into creativity, and find harmony and inner peace. This book will become your guide to the world of mindfulness and self-love. Get ready to open a new chapter in your life – a chapter where emotions cease to be a mystery and become your ally on the path to happiness and harmony.

Chapter 1.

Emotions and feelings accompany us from birth and remain faithful companions throughout our lives. They influence our perception of the world, decisions we make, relationships with others, and even physical health. But what exactly are emotions? Why do some of them seem pleasant, while others are painful? How can we understand what happens inside us when we experience a particular emotional response? In this chapter, we will thoroughly examine the types of emotions, how scientists and psychologists classify them, and why it is important to understand them.

Emotions

Are short-term, intense reactions to internal or external stimuli. Accompanied by physiological changes: increased heart rate, altered breathing, muscle tension. Can be conscious or unconscious.

Feelings

1. Are more stable, long-lasting, and conscious experiences.

2. Formed based on emotions and reflect our attitude toward the world and ourselves.

3. For example, love is a complex of emotions, thoughts, and attitudes.

• Polarity of Emotions: Positive and Negative

1. Positive emotions: joy, love, gratitude, admiration. They stimulate growth, strengthen health, and improve relationships.

2. Negative emotions: fear, anger, sadness, disgust. They warn of possible dangers and help adapt to changes.

3. Ambivalent emotions: mixed feelings, such as nostalgia – a combination of joy and sadness.

• Biological Classification: Stenic and Asthenic Emotions

1. Stenic: increase activity (anger, joy).

2. Asthenic: decrease activity (sadness, fear).

• Classification by K. Izard

1. Basic emotions: anger, fear, joy, surprise, disgust, guilt, shame, interest, contempt, distress.