Understanding Emotions

“The word emotion can mean several things. Most of the time, it refers to positive or negative feelings that are produced by particular situations. Emotions consist of patterns of physiological responses and species-typical behaviors.” (Albany.edu) Most think of an emotion to refer to the feelings, not to the behaviors. It can also be looked at as a behavior that has consequences for survival and reproduction. An emotional response consists of three types of components: behavioral, autonomic, and hormonal. The integration of these responses is controlled by the amygdala. (Albany.edu )

Many studies have shown that emotions and stress can adversely affect the immune system against disease, as emotions play an important role in regulating systems in the body that influence health. (Bhattacharya). The mind and body are linked, it cannot be seen, only felt. The body reflects one’s emotional and psychological states. It is when the body’s signals are ignored, that illness is able to take control of its own natural defenses. It is a result of the thoughts and emotions transferring to the physical body. (Fractalenlightenment). Condensed molecules from breath exhaled from verbal expressions of anger, hatred, and jealousy, contain toxins. Accumulated over 1 hour, these toxins are enough to kill 80 guinea pigs! Imagine the harm negative behavior does to your body?” (Bhavika).