The nature of emotions is such that we cannot in fact ignore them, contrary to popular belief. To better understand our own emotions and those of others, we can think of them in three distinct containers: internalisation; expression or action. It is possible for us to look inside these containers and take notice of what is there. It’s a clue to how we are are feeling in any given moment.
In this bucket are the emotions that we are feeling deeply but keeping to ourselves. We may have the words or means of sharing them with others just yet but we feel them deep inside.
Here we are sharing how we feel not just with words but with our whole body. It shows in our heart and on our faces for good or bad. Whether it's anger or love; fear or joy, it is radiating and others see.
In this bucket or emotions are directly driving our behaviour whether or not we are aware of it. Knowing that we are acting through emotional stimuli can be the first step to deeper self-awareness.