When we think of addiction we automatically relate it to a substance or a behavior. But can we be addicted to an emotion? Here’s Dr. Joe Dispenza’s (www.drjoedispenza.com) take on it: “So my definition really means that if you can’t control your emotional state you must be addicted to it.”
Ouch.
What does it mean?
~ Simply put, addiction is a chemical reaction in the brain; it’s something you cannot stop. The cascade of chemicals generated when our go-to emotional button is pushed is our (emotional) addiction.
~ Our emotions are a chemical response to a stimulus. The language of the cells, they give us feedback, and used mindfully, can guide us toward our highest potential – used irresponsibly they can destroy us.
Pay attention! Owning it is key.
We interpret the events we experience and establish a pattern of thought that ultimately shapes our worldview. Luckily, we are in charge and therefore responsible for any reaction we may have to our environment, what we perceive as our past, our relationships, our attachments – our perception of beauty or what brings harmony or dissonance into our field and so on. In other words, it is awareness and our attitude toward the event that shapes our experience of it.
Body/Mind
“Most psychologists treat the mind as disembodied, a phenomenon with little or no connection to the physical body. Conversely, physicians treat the body with no regard to the mind or the emotions. But the body and mind are not separate, and we cannot treat one without the other.” ~ Candace Pert
Candace Pert’s (www.candacepert.com) research has shown that the “mind” is not just located in the head, but shares information via signal molecules throughout the body that with consciousness can override the system we have established by generating “molecules of emotion.”
It is a potential path to mastery, but before we can elicit molecules of joy, peace or love at will, we must bring light to our shadow.
Can you pinpoint a dominant negative emotion?
Do we find validity for our existence through pain? Whether initially sensed as pleasure or pain, anything that enslaves us is ultimately negative. If we are addicted to our emotions, we ARE enslaved -- confined to the prison of our comfort zone.
~ Fear – procrastination, doubt, lack of trust, indecision, anxiety ~ Sadness/grief – a sense of lack, indifference, apathy ~ Anger – resentment, disappointment, frustration, rage
I feel like I could lay claim to all these! Any of them hit home for you?
Begin by paying attention. Promise to accept what comes up without judgment. Though visceral, the work is subtle…sometimes you may not know what you are feeling until you start tracking the energy as it moves through your body.
Be brave, trust, open your heart to the light that you are and surrender. It’s worth it. YOU are worth it!
Resources
http://onewithnow.com/emotional-addiction/