I love the way you articulate this. I have called emotions sacred when looked at and used as profound teachings for one's self. A place to learn about where there exists an opportunity for growth and maturity, not to get stuck in and definitely not to be weaponized or used for manipulation.
As someone who lived through abuse, and having worked with many others who have experienced all levels of abuse, emotions are exploited to mine one's vulnerabilities that are then used to manipulate. Abusers often gas-light their target. Emotions are invalidated, while simultaneously being poked at.
The key, as you said, is mastering the emotions and becoming neutral. This isn't to become cold or heartless, not to circumvent or invalidate, and not to avoid feeling at all cost, but to regulate the nervous system and maintain clarity (and dignity), thus diminishing the opportunity for manipulation to happen or be perpetuated.
Someone finally said it out loud! Thank you!
Good to see a similar thinking kin.
I love the way you articulate this. I have called emotions sacred when looked at and used as profound teachings for one's self. A place to learn about where there exists an opportunity for growth and maturity, not to get stuck in and definitely not to be weaponized or used for manipulation.
As someone who lived through abuse, and having worked with many others who have experienced all levels of abuse, emotions are exploited to mine one's vulnerabilities that are then used to manipulate. Abusers often gas-light their target. Emotions are invalidated, while simultaneously being poked at.
The key, as you said, is mastering the emotions and becoming neutral. This isn't to become cold or heartless, not to circumvent or invalidate, and not to avoid feeling at all cost, but to regulate the nervous system and maintain clarity (and dignity), thus diminishing the opportunity for manipulation to happen or be perpetuated.
That's the difference, between having emotions and being controlled by them.
Emotions may be sacred. But not more than the self.