The Difference between Feelings and Emotions

It is very important to be able to distinguish the difference between emotions and feelings. Very simply put, emotions carry energetic signatures of the past, and are based on thoughts. Feelings are recognized through the physical body, and tell you what is going on for you in the present moment.

Feelings and emotions can both have an effect upon your body and mind. Because they are rooted in some past experience, emotions try to rule your choices by reminding you of consequences, and keeping you stuck in your past. Generated by the small self, they are usually triggered by a current dilemma that reminds you of what happened in a similar previous experience. Because they tend to be fear-based and can contain other people’s energy, emotions are very unreliable and self-limiting.

Feelings are a result of the life force energy flowing through you as they register a response within your physical body. Unlike emotions, feelings are yours and yours alone. They are painstakingly honest as they urge you to take a look at what is transpiring for you in the here and now. They are not based on past regrets/experiences, nor are they concerned about the future. Therefore, they may encourage you to give up an old belief pattern or shift into a new way of living or viewing life. Feelings give you options and allow you to be in control of what action to take based upon the energetic information they provide.

Emotions are not real—they can and will lie to you. Feelings are real, and always tell you the truth, even though you may not like their message or wish it were different.

The Feelings Test

In Chapter 8 of my book, Whose Stuff is This? I shared the following exercise that I believe will help you determine whether you are experiencing an emotion or a feeling. It will also help you make decisions based upon how the vibration or energy of that decision feels in your body. Walk-in souls have a lot of these kinds of decisions to make—especially when they are new to the body. This is a great exercise to help the soul become aware of the body, and stay fully present in it.

Begin by thinking about a situation you are currently in. Perhaps you are considering a new business venture, a change in residence, leaving or beginning a relationship, or maybe you sense that a potential walk-in soul is requesting an exchange. You have at least two choices to make: either go for the opportunity or turn it away—at least for the time being.

Take a deep breath to center your thoughts, and find the still place (sacred heart) within. Become aware of how your body feels in this neutral, natural state. Put aside any worry about what will happen in the future, and honestly acknowledge whatever you feel right now. This does not mean you will act upon it—just feel it.

1. As you release the breath, hold the thought that you will accept the opportunity being presented to you.
2. Now come back to a neutral point, and think of the situation again. This time consider turning away the opportunity. Did you feel any kind of shift in your body or the field around you?

Which consideration made you feel peaceful, happy, or relaxed?
Which consideration made you feel tense, uneasy, or agitated?
Did you hold your breath when considering either thought?

The thought that made you feel relaxed or at ease is your true desire, and more than likely the choice you should make.

Sometimes you may get an equal feeling for either option. For example, my husband was “invited” to attend a meeting at work. It was not mandatory, and he really did not want to go, but there were certain expectations that he be there. He did the above exercise and noticed that one choice did not generate any more feeling than the other. In cases like this, I suggest that you consider yourself first—I know that is not easy for those who come from a religious upbringing, co-dependent society, or dysfunctional family.

Decide which choice brings you the most joy or the least amount of personal stress or inconvenience. If my husband were to attend that meeting, it would put him in afternoon traffic, and take him more than an hour to drive twelve miles home. This would cause him to rearrange or cancel his plans to go to the gym for some much-needed exercise. If your decision does not have a personal stress factor involved, if it does not infringe upon your well-being, and if others would benefit by your participation, go for it. Just make sure that your choices are always aligned with your true feelings/inner guidance and not by your emotions or someone’s expectations or manipulation.

This article was excerpted from Walk-ins Among Us, written by Yvonne Perry. More information about walk-ins may be found at https://weare1inspirit.com/?p=205 . Yvonne is available as a coach to those who seek spiritual ascension.

Please share this post....