Aug 13th, 2008
Use Your Emotion Well
As Sir L Ilchi says in his new book the need to get ahold of your emotions does not mean that emotions are bad. Emotions are a little like wild horses. A horse that is not broken to the saddle is out of control and of little use to a rider. But a horse that is under control is both useful and a great companion. The important thing is to master your emotions without letting them master you.
Emotions, like a bucking horse, can be quite formidable and difficult to control. The point is not to eliminate emotions in D Yoga as though they were somehow bad, but rather to gain contro of your brain by using emotions in a positive, life-enhancing way. If you use them properly, emotions can become a wellspring of energy for your life.
You may already think you are fully in control of your emotions. After all, you don’t have emotional outbursts, and you are good at hiding your emotions. This, however, is more like leaving the horse to itself in the barn. It does not mean you have your emotions under control.
Emotions are a very powerful product of the brain, and it would be a shame to waste their potential. The best use for emotions is to redirect their energy in a constructive way. For example, it is obviously not advisable to act upon anger by yelling or hitting. Nor is it advisable to simply bury the anger inside where it eats away at your health and confidence.
Rather, make a conscious decision to recycle that emotional energy into a constructive form. Let go of your need to show others your emotions, to show them that you are angry or sad or jealous. Instead, ask yourself, “How can I use this emotion well?” And then watch as your anger turns to motivation, your jealousy turns to greater attentiveness, and your sadness turns to compassion.