Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge. [AUDRE LORDE]
As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a kaleidoscope of emotions: love, joy, sadness, anger, disappointments, and achievements. Each feeling paints a vivid picture of our journey, reminding us of the richness of the human experience. Shakespeare once pondered, “To be or not to be,” but let’s consider a different question: “To feel or not to feel?”.
Embracing our emotions means embracing vulnerability—the gateway to love, acceptance, and yes, sometimes heartache.
For a delightful exploration of emotions, I recommend watching Disney Pixar’s Inside Out and its sequel. These films offer a playful yet profound look at our inner emotional world through vibrant characters that appeal to audiences of all ages. They remind us that emotions are not to be feared but understood, as they guide us and help us act.
What our emotions are alerting us to
Understanding emotions can enrich our lives. Here’s a quick peek into what each primary emotion is alerting us to:
- Joy: Highlights positivity, urging us to seize opportunities.
- Sadness: Allows us to appreciate what we cherish and connect deeply with others.
- Anger: Identifies obstacles, fueling us to overcome them.
- Fear: Alerts us to potential threats, prompting caution.
- Disgust: Establishes boundaries, steering us away from the unhealthy.
- Envy: Clarifies our desires, motivating us toward our goals.
- Embarrassment: Encourages reflection and risk assessment.
- Anxiety: Signals when we are unprepared or unsafe and urges preparation.
- Boredom: Invites creativity and introspection.
As the experts at Six Seconds say, emotions are data, providing insight and guidance.
Challenge
I challenge you to watch Inside Out with your family and spark meaningful conversations about emotions. Here are some conversation starters:
- Which moments in the movie resonated with you?
- Were any emotions new to you, or did you recognize them?
- Which emotions feel more comfortable for you, and why?
- What makes certain emotions uncomfortable, and how do you handle them?
- What lessons can you take from Riley’s emotional journey?
Remind your children that there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ emotions. Each has a purpose, offering valuable insights.
A question to reflect on
What are some of your core memories and the emotions tied to them?
I hope you find joy in watching and discussing these films as I did with my son, both when he was 10 and now as a 19-year-old. Begin with the original Inside Out and continue with the sequel for a full experience.