The 8 core emotions that shape our life

In the vast spectrum of human experience, emotions shape our perceptions, drive our actions, and connect us to one another on a profound level.

Each emotion, be it joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, trust, or anticipation, offers a unique opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

By embracing this kaleidoscope of emotions, we unlock the immense power that lies within us.

Let us look at each of these eight basic emotions and explore how they can inspire and transform our lives.

We have 4 emotions that protect our intentions from external threats:

• Anger?- It arises to give us an extra boost of energy to achieve our goals.
• Fear?- It activates when the harmful factor is outside and further away from us.
• Disgust?- It sets in when something that was once trustworthy proves to be harmful to us. Disgust operates when the harmful factor is within us.
• Sadness?- It urges us to refrain from repeating what does not work.

And we have 4 emotions that ensure the construction of our self-perceptions:

• Surprise?- Engages our attention and prompts us to make sense of the situation.
• Trust?- Helps us accept others into our space. Forms the foundation of meaningful relationships and connections.
• Appreciation?- Shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is present.
• Joy?- Encourages us to repeat what works.

I recommend you this book: How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain , by Lisa Feldman Barrett

What should we know about the 8 core emotions that shape continuously our lives?

1. Anger: The Catalyst for Change

Anger, when channeled constructively, can be a powerful force for transformation. It signals our boundaries, demands justice, and fuels our determination.

By meeting anger with mindfulness and using it as a driving force for positive change, we can overcome obstacles and fight for what is right.

Channel your anger towards productive actions, and you will witness the immense power it holds to shape a better world.

2. Fear: The Key to Courage

Fear, though often viewed as a hindrance, is an invaluable teacher in the journey of self-discovery.?Fear challenges us to confront our limitations, step out of our comfort zones, and embark on new adventures.

When we experience fear, the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex play essential roles.

By acknowledging and understanding our fears, we gain the opportunity to cultivate resilience, bravery, and personal growth.

Allow fear to be the backdrop of your courage, and you will unveil the vast depths of your potential.

3. Sadness: The Gateway to Healing

Contrary to popular belief, sadness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to our resilience.?Sadness allows us to acknowledge and process pain, loss, and disappointment.

Neuroscientific studies have shown that sadness activates regions in the brain involved in experiencing and processing emotional pain.

Sadness is the seed of empathy, enabling us to connect with others' struggles and offer solace.

See sadness as a catalyst for personal growth, as it empowers us to heal, learn, and ultimately find strength in vulnerability.

4. Disgust: The Agent of Transformation

Disgust serves as a powerful compass, guiding us towards what aligns with our values and away from that which compromises our well-being.

It urges us to seek environments, relationships, and choices that promote growth and authenticity.

The emotion of disgust is associated with activity in the brain regions that help us detect potential threats or harmful stimuli.

When you pay attention to this powerful emotion you will create space for transformation and elevate your personal standards.

I recommend you this book: The Emotion Code: How to Release Your Trapped Emotions , by Bradley Nelson and Tony Robbins

5. Surprise: The Doorway to Wonder

Surprise awakens our senses and expands our horizons, breathing new life into our existence. It ignites our curiosity and inspires us to seek out novel experiences.

Surprising events engage the amygdala, which rapidly evaluates the significance of the unexpected stimulus.

The brain then activates the prefrontal cortex and other regions involved in attention and cognitive processing to make sense of the surprise.

This neural response to surprises enhances our ability to adapt to new information and expands our cognitive horizons.

Let surprise be your guide, and you will cultivate a sense of wonder that enriches every facet of your life.

6. Trust: The Foundation of Connection

Trust is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. It allows us to form deep bonds, collaborate, and rely on one another.

Neuroscientists have found that trust is associated with the release of oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding, in regions such as the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.

These brain areas help us evaluate and form trusting relationships, fostering connections, and promoting cooperation.

By cultivating trust, we create a supportive network that nurtures our growth and provides a sense of belonging.

7. Anticipation: The Fuel for Progress

Appreciation, an emotion rooted in gratitude and recognition, possesses a transformative power that can elevate our well-being and deepen our connections with others.

Anticipation involves the activation of brain regions which are associated with reward processing and decision-making.

When we choose to appreciate, we shift our focus from what is lacking to what is present, from hardships to blessings, and from negativity to positivity.

Appreciation enables us to savor the present moment, fostering a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment.

8. Joy: The Elixir of Life

Joy fuels our dreams, sparks creativity, and strengthens our relationships. In moments of joy, we discover a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment.

This emotions is linked to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins, which activate the brain's reward pathway and generate feelings of pleasure and happiness.

Joy has a profound impact on our well-being and motivation. It reminds us to savor the simple pleasures and find beauty in the ordinary.

Important conclusions

• Emotions simply exist. They have no inherent positive or negative connotation.?We perceive them only in relation to whether they align with our intentions or not.
• An emotion carries a piece of information with it, and if we do not understand it, the emotion amplifies.
• There is the possibility of changing one emotion into another (e.g. joy into sadness). In this process we receive psychic (motivational) energy.
• Emotions enable the activation of psychic energy. By switching to another emotion, we retain the energy but modify our behavior.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to unlock your full potential and turn it into real-world value. I hope that the tips and insights in this newsletter have been helpful in your personal and professional life.

If you feel that you are at a crossroad in your life, I would be happy to offer you coaching sessions to discuss your goals and how to achieve them. Remember, success is not a destination but a journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

So until next time, stay focused, stay motivated, and keep working towards your dreams!?Elena Badea