Emotions: Part 2
In my previous post on emotions (read it here if you haven't yet) I discussed my belief that emotions are neither good nor bad, but that learning to control our reactions to emotions is essential to avoiding undesired results. In this post I want to continue with a general discussion of why control is helpful to avoiding undesired outcomes. And we'll kick off the discussion talking about horses. 🐴 🤔
A wise father once taught his son: "...see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love." Alma 38:12. Yes, the word "bridle" is the link to horses. 🙄
I love the use of the word bridle in this verse, and these interesting facts about bridles are the reason I think it is so helpful:
A Bridle:
Affects an area of sensitivity. Bridling our passions means controlling emotions and desires, which people can feel sensitive about, because the natural man wants them to have free rein. But if we overcome our sensitivities, we can develop self-discipline.
Is placed on animals that are of great use. We are told to “bridle all [our] passions,” not to suppress or kill all our passions. Controlling our emotions and desires does not mean to stamp all of them out because they are all bad. Just as we bridle animals because they are useful and helpful, we bridle our passions so that we can control them and allow them to serve a higher purpose.
Helps to tame and train. Just as wild animals can be hostile, unpredictable, and destructive, so can our passions and emotions be if left unchecked. When we tame our emotions, we can train them and redirect them in positive ways to fulfill a greater purpose than they ever could if we simply allowed them to run wild.
Helps to direct. The reins attached to a bridle help us direct an animal in the way we would like it to go. Similarly, we can channel some strong emotions into good works or other appropriate outlets in order for us to become better people and of greater service. By bridling our passions, we can “be filled with love”—one of the highest and greatest emotions—and become more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
I believe the explanation of the uses of bridles fits perfectly into the analogy of emotions. Focusing on taming and training our emotions seems to be an important first step in becoming more balanced emotionally.
But what emotions do you experience? The emotions you experience and how you experience them will be different than anyone else. However, becoming aware of our own emotions and emotional patterns is necessary in the process of learning how to tame and train them.
So how do we become aware of our emotions? Here's a great idea to try.
The first step in managing emotions is becoming aware of them. One tool that can help is an emotions journal, where you can reflect on the emotions you have felt. In an emotions journal, you record the emotion you feel, the situation you were in, and the actions you took because of the emotion. Ponder these feelings and situations and then write down your thoughts. As you track your emotions, look for patterns and trends. Consider writing in your emotions journal daily. See the example below.
| Emotion | Situation | Actions Taken Because of the Emotion | Ponder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today I felt angry and hurt. | I got in a big argument with my dad. | I got really upset and yelled at him and lashed out at my friends. I felt bad about it. | I should talk to my dad about how I feel instead of getting angry at him. |
So, awareness and recognition is a helpful first step to learning to bridle our emotions. An emotions journal is one idea to achieve that awareness. What other ideas do you have to become aware of our emotions? Was has worked for you? What hasn't worked for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and experiences below.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of our discussion on emotions.
Joy is possible.
Love ❤️, Jen
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