The word emotion comes from the Latin word for movement. Emotions feel like truth, making it hard for us to “unhook” from our feelings. In and of themselves, emotions have no moral value; they are neither good nor bad. They are triggers alerting us of something we need to pay attention to. If we learn to listen to them instead of always obeying them, they can be very good teachers.
The three most common emotional programs involve the needs for 1) survival and security, 2) affection and esteem, and 3) power and control. We build our lives around our programs for survival, which we falsely assume will give us happiness. They are inherently unstable because our happiness moment by moment is based outside of our self.
God alone is the source of all sustained happiness. Once we encounter a Loving God, we find both our Ground and our Goal. John of the Cross, Teresa of Ávila, and many other mystics believed the experience of absolute union between God and the soul is essential for transformation.
Contemplation helps because we choose not to indulge in our thoughts, emotions, and programs for happiness. We do not allow them to possess us, but instead we have them as instruments for listening and learning.
In contemplation, the Indwelling Holy Spirit is the Stable Witness that calmly joins us in compassionately observing our thoughts and emotions and then compassionately letting go of them.
Philippians 4:7 “Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.”
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