how to understand emotion from first principles then deal with it
Credit: the “first principles” reference which i will make here has been deduced from teachings of Afa (Akwu na Obi), and Igbo numerology. Basically my understanding of certain concepts in Odinani has given me a good framework to clarify my thoughts on this subject.
First Principles: The feminine and Masculine principles, from which everything in our reality emerges from. For emphasis, what we’re referring to here are forms of primordial energy.
The human perception of our observable universe is ruled by duality.
The Principle of Polarity: "Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."
What defines the feminine or masculine principle in this sense?
The archetype of the feminine principle (akwu) is characterized by potent stillness, primordial state, primacy, inertia.
The archetype of the masculine principle (obi) is characterized by activity, motion, movement, kinetic energy.
The word Emotion is borrowed from French émotion, from émouvoir (“excite”), based on Latin ēmōtus, past participle of ēmoveō (“to move out, move away, remove, stir up, irritate”), from ē- (“out”) (variant of ex-), and moveō (“move”). The Latin word "Emovere" which means to stir the sentiments.
Let’s take note of a pattern here 👆🏾, in every sense of the word there is activity taking place. Emotion. There is motion of a feeling deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.
Do you recall what principle or form of energy we described as associated with “activity” and “motion”? Yes the masculine principle.
We can therefore deduce that emotion is an expression of the masculine energy. It is masculine in its nature.
How is this deduction useful?
Well, for one it will help us understand emotions better, and how to deal with it as promised in the title of this spill.
We can also begin to understand that emotion is an externalized phenomenon. Its influences are external. Which means we are not our emotions, we can separate ourselves from our emotions. We can return to a state of inertia by will, to cease the emotional activity.
We can control our emotions better when we understand the discipline of it.
Emotion is instinctive not intuitive
Instinct is a masculine expression. While intuition is a feminine expression. Remember we are referring to forms of energy here, not gender. Every human being contains both the masculine and feminine energy at unique variations.
Well how can we be sure that emotion is instinctive? Let’s use the main markers of instinct and intuition to see what sticks.
Instinct demands immediate action; it comes with a sense of urgency. Do emotions stimulate this same sense? Does it come with a sense of urgency.
Intuition gives you room to pause; it comes with clarity and calmness. Do emotions give room for pause? Unless you will yourself into a state of pause (inertia).
Instinct reacts to external stimuli, shaped by external influences, emotion and circumstance. Can you say the same for emotion? Which is a strong feeling deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.
Come to your own conclusion. My conclusion is that emotion is instinctive. Which means it can be controlled.
How to deal with emotion?
Now we’ve understood emotion from first principles (I hope). Let’s consider a framework on how to deal with it. You can derive your own mediums from the framework.
Framework: To control or deal with your emotions lean unto those things that cause you to pause (or just take on “pause” in itself). Apply strategies that take you into the opposite (or complementary) spectrum, of stillness, inactivity, or inertia. You already have it in you. The more you can do things that lead to these, and separate yourself from your emotions, the more you will control your emotions or deal with them accordingly.
