Written by Ardil Ulucay
It is crucial to have a clear understanding of what emotions actually are. Emotions are the way our brain gives meaning to bodily sensations based on our past experiences. Different pathways contribute at different levels of feelings such as happiness, surprise, sadness, and anger. However, we must also acknowledge that emotions are not solitary entities. They are a symphony of components, harmoniously orchestrated by our brains and bodies.
But there is still a question that is not yet answered, How does our brain create emotions? The interoceptive network in your brain continually monitors your bodily sensations, such as your heartbeat, lung movements, intestinal activity, and even subtle stomach discomfort. Your brain, confined within the dark and silent confines of your skull, strives to decipher the significance of these bodily sensations. It does so by integrating information from your senses, which capture external cues like air pressure, light, and chemicals, and by drawing from your reservoir of past experiences.
The brain's primary mission is to ensure your well-being and survival. To accomplish this, it remains vigilant, monitoring both your internal and external environments. It reallocates energy, effectively acting as a dynamic regulator. In this role, the brain is far from a passive observer.
Now, let's dive into how emotions are crafted within this intricate neural landscape. Research has illuminated the remarkable capacity of the brain to predict and simulate the external world. It does so by employing concepts, like a mental library of associations and experiences. For instance, when the word or concept 'apple' is introduced, your brain instantly conjures an image of an apple — perhaps red or green, some people might even see a black and white picture or a 2D emoji and may even simulate the sensation of its smooth surface against your hand. If you're feeling hungry while reading this, try simulating that delightful crunch when you bite into a juicy apple. [1 , 3].
Image Credit: https://psychandneuro.duke.edu/news/mapping-emotions-brain.
Consider a scenario where you're strolling along a busy street, intending to cross. Suddenly, you spot a car hurtling towards you at a lethal speed. In that split second, fear seizes you, urging an immediate leap back to the safety of the curb. This instinctive reaction is just a vivid demonstration of how emotions can be our steadfast guardians in dangerous situations.
Emotions, however, do not solely come into play during life-threatening moments. They consistently serve as our emotional compass, offering invaluable insights and guidance. Think about those times when you've met someone new, and an inexplicable sense of warmth and connection washes over you. Or, conversely, when a friend triggers a subtle unease that you can not quite explain. These unspoken cues, also known as "gut feelings" or intuition, arise from the intricate interplay of emotions. Emotions are not merely fleeting sensations; they often function as silent advisors, influencing our choices, connections, and, ultimately, the course of our lives.
Charles Darwin theorized that emotions are adaptations that allow us humans to survive. This assumption is correct and helped our ancestors to survive in the past and advance to the top of the food chain. Recircling, we need our emotions to quickly react to certain threats and dangerous situations. For example, when you come across a snake or a bear you do not just stand there and analyze the threat, you run for your life. An emotional creature aims to stay alive and fight for it thus making it sentient and conscious [1 , 2].
Almost every human being is inherently capable of experiencing a wide spectrum of emotions, making it not just a capacity but a fundamental aspect of our existence. Emotions, in essence, are a necessity hardwired into our evolutionary heritage, serving as vital survival mechanisms. As we navigate the intricate terrain of life, a substantial portion of our decisions, relationships, and even our perception of the world is deeply influenced by the flow of our emotions. Therefore, when an individual attains the ability to control and master their emotional responses, they unlock a profound potential. This skill empowers them to steer their life's course with intention and build far stronger connections.
References:
How emotions are made. (2023, May 11). How emotions are made | Noldus. https://www.noldus.com/blog/how-emotions-are-made
Why it's important to "feel" all of your feelings. (2020, December 29). The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/why-its-important-to-feel-all-of-your-feelings#:
Mapping emotions in the brain. (n.d.). Department of Psychology & Neuroscience. https://psychandneuro.duke.edu/news/mapping-emotions-brain
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