In her book, How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett presents an alternative view of the genesis of our emotions. Entitled the ‘theory of constructed emotions’, she invites our consideration by challenging the more traditionalist view.

“The classical view is intuitive,” she writes, “events in the world trigger emotional reactions inside of us. Its story features familiar characters like thoughts and feelings that live in distinct brain areas.” Though, in this way, the habit of our emotions is presumed to be rote, predestined by the context of our memory and inclination.

However, in theory no two instances are ever the same. Variables impose their presence through the conflict of an unfamiliar story. As a result, we may feel deadlocked in our confusion; our brain effecting a story that doesn’t match the path of our daily life.

Whereas, the theory of constructed emotions demonstrates the brain’s capacity to simulate events, offering new meaning to the context of our experience. What we feel becomes our experience, thereby effecting the benefit of choice.

“We are architects of our own experience,” Barrett offers. Yet, sometimes we forget  that our thoughts, emotions and experiences – are never far from our ultimate truth.

We experience that which we create, no more – no less. And it is our choice, alone, which defines this view.

In peace…

Namaste ❣