In this episode, we explore how emotions work. We examine how they are created and why they matter so much. We also discuss when emotions don’t matter and when we should ignore them.
HOW THEY WORK
Lisa Feldman Barrett ‘How Emotions are Made’
Our brains make predictions
We experience affect
Valence & Arousal
Interroception: What we feel inside
Sensory Input: What we sense outside
Concepts: What this is like
Our brain regulates our body budget
Use concept to decide on emotion
WHY THEY MATTER
Release of chemicals and hormones inside of us
Allocate resources to balance body budget
Influence us in terms of what we can do
Source of information and even wisdom in terms of ‘gut feelings’
Guide us in terms of what we like and what we don’t
When we are taken advantage of we can get angry
When our status is in danger, we can get scared
They make us human.
Love. Compassion. Ecstasy.
Birth of a Baby. Laughing with a friend.
WHEN THEY DON’T MATTER
Our brains aren’t optimized for happiness
They are optimized for survival in the jungle.
Nowadays, huge adrenaline surge isn’t as useful as it was.
As such, they focus on danger, drama and desire.
We become addicted to extreme emotions
Our feelings often mask the truth. Feelings vs Facts.
Drug Addiction, Anger, Falling in Love – Craziness
Be sure to tune in for more interesting topics!
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