Like many people, you may use the words “feelings” and emotions” interchangeably.

However, understanding the difference can unlock new pathways of spiritual awareness.

In this article, we explore the difference between feelings vs. emotions, and how this distinction can unlock new levels of spiritual awareness.

Let’s begin…

Exploring the Difference

Feelings are like isolated sensations in the body — you may feel sadness in your chest; anger in your forehead; fear in your stomach.

Emotions arise when we emote these feelings — we not only feel **angry, we act angry. We not only feel sad, we act sad.

Now here’s the challenge…

Emotions Can Block Our Intuition

Every feeling is an opportunity to learn about ourselves — to explore where the feeling is coming from, and what it may be trying to show us.

However, when we choose to emote our **feelings, it can block out our inner voice.

Think about a time you allowed your emotions to take over — did you do something short-sighted?

Everyone has. So how can we prevent feelings from bubbling into emotions? …

So, Where Do Feelings Come From?

Feelings come in the form of neurotransmitters or “message molecules.”

These messages are sent from the amygdala, which monitors the outside world and determines which message molecules to send.

If you see a tiger, your amygdala may release cortisol — telling the body to be alert.

If you see a dog, your amygdala may release oxytocin — telling the body “what a good booyyyy.”

Now here’s the kicker…

Emotions Are A Choice

Your conscious mind — the pre-frontal cortex — can proof read the amygdala’s alert messages before they go out.

If you say “yes, there is a tiger” your amygdala may continue to release cortisol.

But if you say “no, that’s not a tiger” the amygdala will stop releasing cortisol, and release a peaceful molecule (like serotonin) instead.

So feelings are automatic, but we determine whether our feelings turn into emotions.

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is the power to choose our response. — Viktor Frankl

Summary: The Neuroscience of Emotions

So in short…

• Everyday experiences can cause the release of feelings (neurotransmitters) in the body.
• Those neurotransmitters are sent to the conscious mind where we can choose to act on our feelings, or reflect on them.
• Every time we choose to reflect is an opportunity to understand ourselves more deeply.
• Knowing this, here is a tool that can help regulate your reactions…

The Pause: A Tool to Regulate Your Reactions

Pausing is a practice of tuning into your authenticity before making a decision.

This may involve taking a deep breath, placing your hand on your heart, closing your eyes, or whatever tool allows you to slow down and connect with your inner voice.

The more space we create between stimulus and response, the less likely we are to act on our feelings, and the more room we create for our inner wisdom to flow in.

Where can you find more moments of pause in your day?

Amplify this Practice

Here are some technologies that can support you in accessing and understanding your inner self.

🪙 PNR — Access Your Highest Self

The PNR is a small copper token that can be attuned to your personal frequency. Some describe the PNR as a “protective bubble” that can neutralize low vibrational energies and support the energy of your higher self.

If you don’t have a PNR, Clear Source Rosewater Spray is another tool that can help your process new information from a clear perspective. 🌹

⚡ M-States — More Pause Per Second

M-States are quantum electrolytes that help our nervous system operate more efficiently. They help increase the amount of information we can process, giving us more room to make decisions and see things from an expanded perspective.

🧊 Cooling Light — Explore Your Senses

Cooling Light is a natural skin cream that is infused with energetic technology. By applying the cream to certain areas of the body, it can help to release emotional buildups and help the body remember what it feels like to be pure.

Keep Exploring

All of this information was pulled from our weekly newsletter, used by 700+ people to discover science-backed ways to supercharge their wellbeing. Each newsletter is less than 5 minutes, and you can subscribe using the link on our learn page 💜