by Sara illig
Stepping into your feelings means looking inward vs looking at the outward world of perceptions. Feelings are the emotions and sensations we experience inside ourselves while perceptions are how we interpret and make sense of the world around us.
Feelings come from within and are our own responses to the events and experiences in our lives. They come with chemical signatures and come from our reactions to memories, conversations, sensory inputs and other external stimuli. Feelings can change as new information and experiences come in.
Perceptions on the other hand, rely on observation and analysis. They come from how we interpret things both in our own minds and in outside sources – and are based on our understanding and beliefs.
Perception often includes discussion of facts and other objective criteria, as well as our own biases and experiences and are filtered through our feelings, which colors and shapes how we interpret the world.
And so, it gets sticky…. there are many filters of emotions we pass through as we interpret what we are feeling when they aren’t actually feelings at all. They are simply interpretations of feelings that could perhaps get reformatted…. shall we say?
For instance some may think that feeling vulnerable is an emotion. It is not. It is an interpretation of a state. Beneath the vulnerability probably lies some fear and anxiety, an absolute internal response to something, but it is not exactly an emotion. Its an interpretation of a state of being, perhaps a reaction to a memory or something of the sort.
Abandoned is another good example, we do not know why another person is not present or responding to us, however we have interpreted their actions based on the filters of our emotions not based on fact. You cannot feel abandoned; you might feel sad and worried about being alone, but you can not feel abandoned, it is an interpretation.
By learning how to separate your emotions from your perceptions, you will gain insight and personal power in your day. You can begin do this by getting present in your body and asking yourself where you feel it when these interpretations come up for you. Try tapping a little and see where that gets you.
And always remember, if you need me…..
Im just a tap away