Face those negative feelings head-on
W e have lots of feelings — some of which feel good and some not-so-good. Obviously we enjoy the emotions that make us feel relaxed energized and “up.” These positive emotional and physical qualities are induced by feelings such as happiness gratitude and forgiveness.
Anger fear sadness and other negative emotions on the other hand change the chemistry and rhythms of all our bodily systems. They make our heart ache constrict our breath tighten our muscles put us off balance and cause generalized physical distress. They also affect us mentally emotionally and spiritually disturbing every area of functioning.
It makes sense that we’d want to do whatever we can to help ourselves and our children avoid experiencing the not-good-feeling emotions.
In the Dark
The truth is however that bad feelings have their good side. They are “not good” only in that they hurt. But Hashem created them for a purpose. Negative emotions just like physical pain signal caution. They tell us that we’re headed in the wrong direction that we’re failing to meet our needs or fulfill our mission. They urge us to change course.
