May 18, 2010

Wheel Of Emotions.

If I was asked to describe myself in one sentence only, "Wheel of emotions" seems a somewhat appropriate term to use.
"I feel"
is often an expression associated with my astrological sign of Cancer. As soon as emotions overcome me, logic is suppressed and my senses start to rule me. In those moments, I behave irrationally and become foolish. Like a ship lost at sea in a storm, I bounce of waves at the mercy of the raging waters, longing for a safe harbor and a solid anchor.

Intriguingly, emotions and their manifestation have been closely studied, as after all, it is not only our intellect that defines us. Our character and our individuality are shaped by our feelings as well. Robert Plutchik, a renowned psychologist actually did created a symbolic wheel of emotions in 1980. It consists of 8 basic emotions and 8 advanced emotions each with counterpart opposite.

The eight basic emotions in the wheel are: anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, anticipation, acceptance, and joy. The advanced ones are: optimism, love, submission, awe, disappointment, remorse, contempt and aggressiveness.

Emotions help us in our survival. We make decisions in our present based on our past experiences, all closely tied to our perception of a decisions outcome. If it resulted in pain and sadness, it will most likely prevent us from going in the same direction again, while joy and happiness have the opposite effect.
Emotions can also direct our lives, as they tell us the state of our mental being. At one point or another in our lives, we succumb to the negative emotions that rule our thinking in a devastating way. Anything from fear, sadness and jealousy, those alone or in combination prevents us from moving on and living a healthy existence.

Science and psychology apart, emotions and feelings are a part of who we are. They distinguish us, make us compelling and compassionate and make us aware of the hidden beauty within and around us. Fortunate are those, who can keep them under control, but yet again, those of us who can not, for better or worse, are true artists at heart and soul. As it is this perception and this sensitivity to our surroundings and its overflow that is so eloquently captured and conveyed through music, the written word and the beauty of the versatile art in photography, sculptures and paintings.

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful post. Emotions play a huge part in our lives. Keeping them in control can change the way we look at everything.
Well written. Thanks for sharing!:)

J Cosmo Newbery said...

Emotions are the fuel of life.

Julie Hibbard said...

"Feeling" is the joy and the pain of all of life. I am in control of my emotions 99% of the time...it's only the emotion of disappointment--which leads to sadness--that I have a very hard time with. Probably because I still have so much hope.
Have a beautiful day! FEEL!!!

Paul C said...

This is a wonderful post about the diversity of our emotions. I appreciate the chart and your conclusion about how diverse artists have given expression to this spectrum.

Betsy Brock said...

Loved this...very interesting the way you laid it all out there. And I've always loved that painting The Kiss. :)

Anonymous said...

Dearest Zuzana,

My astrological sign is Cancer and I love Gustav Klimt as well. :)

You said: "As soon as emotions overcome me, logic is suppressed and my senses start to rule me. In those moments, I behave irrationally and become foolish."

Perhaps you are too hard on yourself. Although at times we may feel perplexed or even uncomfortable with our emotions, they are telling us something important about ourselves. I believe that our emotions balance us. They are intuition and instinct coming forward when we need them. I view logic as simply our "best guess" since we are unable to know and understand everything. But it is this balance of emotions and logic that makes us whole and unique!

Jean said...

Oui , les grands peintres expriment par l'image , grace à leur créativité ce que nous exprimons avec des mots .

My new :http://jeancouleurs.over-blog.com

Connie said...

I thought you were writing about me for a moment! Our emotions are what makes us feel alive! I love Gustav Klimt's work particularly "The Kiss" Enjoyed visiting your blog.

Claus said...

You certainly got me thinking now. I've been staring at that color chart for the longest time now. Do you think every person has gone through all stages of emotions? I think I have, in a greater or lesser way. Curiously, the one I remember the most is the sad and anger ones (in all their stages), yet I don't remember being "out of control" while going through them. I felt them, yet my position in the entire situation did not allow me to act crazy, thinking on others before me, and hence, feeling the need to make sense of my actions to provide them a quicker way to feel comfort and move on. I do remember to express my disappointment, anger and sadness, but I was incredibly calm and thoughtful while doing so. I was suprised at myself even! Now reading your post, I'm wondering how and why that happened. Very intriguing!!

sprinkles said...

I was thinking last night how at night I always feel so anxious but not so much during the day. I think it's because during the day I manage to keep myself a little busier but at night, it's time to wind down and relax. And that's when I start to think about bills, losing my house, etc.

Joanna Jenkins said...

This is a very interesting read. Emotions are so important to live life to the fullest but the hardest to keep in check.

You gave me a lot to think about today.

Cheers,
jj

Holly said...

I love this!!! I love the way you think! You are always so incredibly insightful.

I tend to make my decisions emotionally,...it is hard sometimes for me to step back and look at only facts.

XOXO Holly

Von said...

Interesting..posted a link, you might want to check it out at http://eag-oncewasvon.blogspot.com
Have a fun day!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A wonderful post Zuzana especially your last paragraph. Music and art can stir the emotions like nothing else - as the two paintings you have chosen prove.

Nature can also stir great emotions - I feel saddened for the plight of the bees and then my heart gladens when I hear the birds singing.

I find that as I've got older the more emotional I have become. I can cry, or at the very least have a lump in my throat, at the drop of a hat!

We need to feel all emotions to truly live. Thank you Zuzana for such an insightful post.

Jeanne
xx

SandyCarlson said...

This was as interesting as it was helpful. Thank you so much, friend.

Kat_RN said...

My whole personality changes when I get emotional and I hate it. I am usually very much a control person (I am also a cancer).
Interesting post, hope all is well.
Kat

Donna said...

Wonderful post, Zuzana. I too, love that painting by Gustav Klimt.

Hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...
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Phivos Nicolaides said...

I'm not sure about the first one painting which I see it almost everywhere... but the 'kiss' is beautiful!

Keith said...

Hey there. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog. I really appreciate it. I'm very excited to be back blogging. It's also great to be able to check out blogs like yours that I like a lot. Take care. I hope the rest of your week is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Very interesting post...I have never seen the wheel concept.
I go throught times where emotions run stronger than others. I don't think we can always keep them in check and I would be concerned about the person who could : )

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

you seem know the perfect way to perceive or describe emotions,
beautiful writing,
very enjoyable post!

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Very interesting post! I agree with Cottage Garden in that music and art stir our emotions in a powerful way. If I'm troubled, music can sooth my soul like nothing else--if it's calming music of course!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Excellent Zuzana. I too am that way...hmmm, AND a Cancer as well.

LOVE the painting.

tony said...

Yes,Zuzana, Emotions as Waves.Currents & Swirls Are What Makes The World Go Around!

Bhushavali said...

That's an interesting article!!! Like it!!! :)

Karur Pasupathishwarar Temple in My Travelogue
Fashion Panache - Summer Special

S. Susan Deborah said...

Many a times we should control our emotions but they instead control us and that does it all.

Thanks for sharing this dear Zuzana.

Joy always,
Susan

Zuzana said...

Mr. Stupid, Cosmo, Julie, Paul, Betsy, Zuzu, Jean, Connie (welcome), Claudia, sprinkles, Joanna, Holly, Von (welcome), Jeanne, Sandy, Kat, Donna, Philip, Keith, LadyCat, Jingle, C or V, Jill, tony, Mitr and Susan, it was very interesting to read your comments and your own sentiments when it comes to our emotions and feelings.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this contemplative post and offering such a poignant feedback.

Your kind words are very much appreciated always

Xoxo,
Zuzana

Sniffles and Smiles said...

What a fabulous and fascinating post...I was unaware of this "wheel"...such an interesting psychological theory! Your posts are always so interesting! I'm NEVER disappointed. Have a beautiful weekend, dear Zuzana! Love, Janine XO

Zuzana said...

Janine, thank you dear friend for your visit and lovely comment, glad you enjoyed this a bit contemplative post.;)
xo