Numbing Emotions – We Cannot Target Specific Emotions

 I listened to a great Ted Talk by Brene Brown recently titled The Power of Vulnerability. Amazing talk and to no surprise about the great benefits that can come from being vulnerable. More on vulnerability another day.

One thing that she said within her that talk that stood out and was so powerful was this, “We numb vulnerability. We are the most in debt, obese, addicted and over medicated adult cohort in US history. The problem is that we cannot selectively numb emotion.” 

In reflecting on this I made the greatest connection that I have never even thought of and that is that when I try to drown out a negative emotion, like vulnerability, I drown all the others and even the good emotions, like happiness.

I then thought about the world around me and the millions of people that are depressed, struggling and simply living a distasteful life. And why? We are living in a numbed society. We over consume in all regards to try block out a few negative emotions and this numbing only exacerbates our negative emotions and our lives. It removes the positive ones that are conducive to our happiness.

Buddha has taught me that we must accept the moment as it is, pleasant or unpleasant. When there is a negative feeling, mood or emotion present it is not a good idea to avoid it but rather appreciate it. Be curious about it. Try understand it. And importantly don’t become attached to it because everything passes, life is impermanent. Holding on will only cause suffering.

In the words of Elsa from one of the greatest kids Disney animations of all time – “Let it go!”

As I have and continue to remove the cravings from my life and become more accepting of the present moment I have reduced my desire to numb life and in doing so have noticed greater happiness. Happiness that I am convinced has always been there – just numbed.

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Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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