Strong Afflictive Emotions: Hate, Greed, Jealousy, Pride and Ignorance (5 poisons) can all lead to aggression, disturbing our physical and mental peace, and causing suffering. Big Strong emotions grow overtime from deep root sources of cause and conditions. Most of us on the spiritual path, have adopted and are striving for a more virtuous way of life. We are human beings with feelings and at times, very strong emotions. The challenge is to be mindful in the moment.

When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. And when you pause, keep calm. 

IN THE MOMENT, PRACTICE THE PAUSE. When emotions are strong and the situation is accelerating, remove yourself and your opinion. Take 3 deep breaths and do your best to direct the mind. Breathe and use calm reason to decrease the intensity of the emotion before you act. The Power of Now is in the Pause.

Refrain and restrain (not suppression) is an intentional choice to not respond.

THE DAILY PRACTICE (study, reflection, prayer, contemplation and meditation) is how we look deeper for the root - the suppressed feelings that have built up overtime, the cause and conditions that have lead to the big emotions. ALSO, we study and absorb more virtuous behaviors. Through deliberate and sustained effort overtime, we train ourselves to be more mindful, compassionate and less reactive.

Mantra: “I will create no more pain for myself.”

Use this list below to help identify what the deep emotions are under the big feelings you are experiencing. When examining any feelings of unhappiness or dis-ease, ask yourself, “What is the real issue? Give yourself time to think and feel and then look there. Write them down, name them. Then you can feel them and deal with them.

  • Boredom: Apathy, restlessness, disinterest.

  • Sadness: Grief, disappointment, loneliness, despair, melancholy

  • Anger: Rage, frustration, annoyance, irritation, exasperation.

  • Fear: Anxiety, terror, panic, nervousness, horror, shock.

  • Disgust: Revulsion, aversion, contempt.

  • Shame & Guilt: Embarrassment, remorse, regret, disgrace, humiliation.

  • Attachment: abandonment, contol, fear of loss, insecurity, low self esteem

Even BIG Positive Emotions & Feelings can bring attachment and dis-ease.

  • Love: Affection, adoration, intimacy, longing, romance.

  • Surprise: Astonishment, awe, shock, amazement.

  • Anticipation: Expectation, eagerness, hope.

  • Acceptance/Trust: Love, belonging, connection, openness. 

  • Curiosity/Interest: Engagement, fascination, wonder.

  • Empathy: Compassion, understanding, feeling for others.

  • Satisfaction: accomplishment, esteem

  • Awe: Wonder, reverence, amazement.

  • Calmness: Peace, relaxation, serenity, relief. 

  • Happiness/Joy: Contentment, delight, pleasure, excitement, bliss.