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Published Nov 9, 2022

Can You Really Trust Your Feelings? | Lisa Feldman Barrett & John Dunne

Lisa Feldman Barrett and John Dunne delve into the complex nature of emotions, challenging traditional views with insights from science and Buddhism, and explore how mastering emotions through awareness and flexibility can enhance emotional intelligence. They emphasize the constructed nature of emotions and the role of cultural and contextual understanding in navigating our "body budget."
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Episode Highlights

  • Emotion Theories

    In Western psychology, emotions are traditionally seen as innate, prewired responses triggered by external stimuli. challenges this view, suggesting that emotions are constructed by the brain as it interprets sensory data using past experiences 1. This contrasts with the Buddhist perspective, as explains, where emotions are not recognized as distinct entities in classical texts. Instead, they are seen as part of how we experience the world, influenced by context and personal interpretation 2.

    Emotions are, in a sense, not about what we are experiencing, but how we are experiencing.

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    This discussion highlights the complexity of emotions and the importance of understanding them beyond traditional Western frameworks 3.

       

    Constructing Emotions

    Emotions are not fixed responses but are constructed by the brain as it processes sensory information. explains that the brain uses past experiences to interpret sensory data, creating emotions as a way to prepare for action 4. This process is deeply tied to the brain's primary function of regulating the body's systems, ensuring balance and readiness for future actions 5.

    Your brain is constantly attempting to in the most metabolically efficient way coordinate the systems of the body and plan for the next action.

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    Understanding this construction process can help us develop a more flexible emotional repertoire, allowing us to respond more adaptively to different situations.

       

    Deconstructing Pain

    Pain, often considered an emotion, can be deconstructed to manage its intensity. suggests focusing on the discomfort to separate it from the emotional suffering constructed by the brain 6. This approach aligns with the Buddhist practice of examining emotions to understand their true nature, as describes 7.

    An aspect of emotional intelligence is actually the capacity to sort of see through what the emotion seems to be.

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    By developing emotional intelligence, we can better navigate our experiences, reducing unnecessary suffering and enhancing our well-being.

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