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 What must be 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 what must be 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