Emotions
Positive and painful emotions serve unique purposes. While painful emotions serve the function of narrowing our thoughts so that we can quickly respond to threats, positive emotions do the opposite, broadening our minds and building personal and interpersonal resources. Even brief experiences of positive emotion can help us think creatively, acquire new skills, and strengthen relationships. Think about a time you experienced each of the emotions below to generate ideas for how you might cultivate those feelings in the future.
What positive emotion are you seeking today?
Joy
What is it? Joy is a deep, true happiness; when things feel just right for the moment.
How to find it: A holiday with family, a night on the town, or boardgames with friends might spring joy for some people. Finding activities, people, and situations that you enjoy is key.
Interest
What is it? Interest is an enlivened state of curiosity; wanting to know and to grow.
How to find it: Try reading a book on a subject you like or chatting with a friend about a shared passion. Approaching life with an open and curious mindset will help interest thrive.
Serenity
What is it? Serenity is a calm, peaceful state of contentment or relaxation.
How to find it: Learning what helps us unwind is an individual journey. Listening to relaxing music, doing guided meditation, or taking a walk outdoors are just a few things to try.
Pride
What is it? Pride is a glow of accomplishment; the self-recognition of achievement or growth.
How to find it: Noticing and validating accomplishments (even small ones) that are in-line with our values can build up healthy pride. Celebrate yourself as you would a friend.
Gratitude
What is it? Gratitude is a heart-opening state of appreciation for things big or small.
How to find it: Writing a letter to someone you have not thanked properly or keeping a list of good daily moments are two ways to build gratitude. There are many myths about gratitude, but the real thing is powerful.
Awe
What is it? Awe is a feeling of being moved by something vast, great, and larger than yourself.
How to find it: Stand at the edge of the ocean or look up at a starry night sky and you might feel small in a good way. Connecting to nature or the shared human experience can elicit awe.
Hope
What is it? Hope is a warm candle of possibility; a belief that things can change for the better.
How to find it: Thinking of past successes and considering pathways to reach your goals can build hope. When hope seems too hard to come by, though, try just approaching the future with curiosity. Let’s see what happens.
Amusement
What is it? Amusement is a bubbling, laughing state; seeing the humor in a moment and in life.
How to find it: Spending time with people who make you laugh or watching funny videos can elicit amusement. Aim for your preferred sense of humor instead of what amuses others.
Love
What is it? Love is all of the previous emotions together and more; feeling good in connection.
How to find it: Being fully present with our loved ones is a great way to elicit love. If that is not possible, try closing your eyes and imagining you are with someone (real or imagined) who makes you feel wrapped in warm connection.
