The Power of Emotive Action

I have just started reading the 18^th century maritime series by Patrick O’Brien.  In the first novel, Master and Commander, two ship physicians were debating the effect of emotion, based upon the degree that it is expressed.

Using the analogy of a cat, in a threatening situation with a sportive dog. The cat, when alarmed or threatened, normally raises and bristles its tail and arches its back. Whether this is an attempt to appear larger to the dog is a possibility or whether this is a full expression of it’s emotions. 

If one can align the bristling of the tail to the hairs standing on the back on ones neck when in a high state of alertness, we can also see that our bodies react to our emotions, subconsciously.  The doctors debated as to what effect shaving the cat’s tail and affixing a rigid board along its back thereby preventing it from arching, would have. Would the cat still “feel” as though its emotions were fully expressed?  Was emotion and expression the same thing? Was the back arching and tail bristling an integral part of the emotion or merely a potent reinforcement?

They concluded that “science is measurement – no knowledge without measurement” They continued in their debate by attempting to simulate various emotive states and recording the change in their heart rate.

Taking a reverse stance, they noted that prisoners adopted a bodily reaction devoid of emotion. Once captured, the adopted a very passive face, suppressing any outward signs of their distress. Does this stoical appearance of indifference in fact diminish pain?

Fascinating to read such debate in early times, especially amongst learned men. Both of these scenarios raise interesting questions; which can be paralleled in what we know of human emotions. In our Mental Wellness section, we explore the effect of emotions, thoughts, beliefs and stress on action and performance. It is a valuable insight to oneself to become aware of how you react to different emotions.

Using this knowledge you can indeed reverse or change your emotions by deploying the same behaviour associated with a different emotion.  If you are sad, instead of giving in to the slumped body, downward navel gazing, try smiling and jumping for joy. Exaggerate. Feel how your mood lifts. Don’t worry if anyone else in the house thinks you are crazy – admit to them you are; it’s a very useful personality trait to claim at times.I would be very interested to hear how you react to different emotions and any little “devices” you use to trick yourself out of a current stateChoose the Way you Feel…. Nicola