The language of Emotions

The Message of the Emotion and Emotional Work Through

 

Gifts Internal Question Obstruction Practice

Anger

 Protection, boundary-setting, strength What must be protected or restored? Rage, suppression, or displacement of anger Honor anger’s alert; clarify boundaries and act with integrity

Sadness

 Release, rejuvenation, deep presence What must be released? Avoidance of grief, depression, isolation Allow tears and mourning; sadness cleanses and heals

Fear

 Intuition, quick response, preparedness What action should be taken? Paralysis, anxiety, chronic worry Listen closely; take grounded action or calming stillness

Disgust

 Protection from toxicity, discernment What must be expelled or avoided? Judgmentalism, rejection of difference Use discernment wisely; don't confuse personal taste with danger

Shame

 Moral compass, social awareness. Repair, accountability, ethics Am I guilty in harming someone? Who? What can I make right? Toxic self-loathing, hiding, inaction, Over-responsibility, martyrdom, self-punishment Act on shame’s guidance to restore relationships or values. Repair harm with accountability, then release.

Joy

 Vitality, connection, celebration What brings me delight and aliveness? Overexuberance, disconnection, trauma blocks Let joy move through you with grounded presence

Awe

 Reverence, spiritual alignment, humility What is greater than myself? Overwhelm, detachment, nihilism Let awe deepen perspective and restore reverence

Love

 Connection, empathy, bonding What am I in deep relationship with? Obsession, over-merging, fear of loss Love with boundaries; nurture connection with self and others

Gratitude

 Appreciation, acknowledgment, contentment What am I thankful for? Inability to receive, entitlement Express appreciation; strengthen your relationships

Contentment

 Renewal, satisfaction, self-esteem Thank you for renewing my faith in myself Inability to feel satisfied or challenge oneself Celebrate success, then take the next risk

Hatred

 Shadow work, reintegration, piercing clarity What must be reintegrated? Fierce attacks without self-awareness Reclaim rejected parts and restore your psyche

Panic & Terror

 Sudden clarity, trauma negotiation What has been frozen? What must be healed? Immobilization, hypervigilance, terror loops Focus inward and use trauma to reclaim your life

Grief


 Soulful release, honoring loss What must be mourned? Refusal to let go or accept transition Let the river of grief rinse and carry what must go

Depression

 Pause for understanding, deep inquiry Where has my energy gone? Persistent despair, loss of vitality Listen closely before attempting to move forward

Suicidal Urges

 Rebirth, liberty, sacred transformation What must end now? Desire to escape pain by ending life Channel into deep change; honor lost dreams
 

Extracted from Karla McLarens book. The Language of Emotions