Emotions

“It doesn’t matter whether emotions are considered positive or negative; all emotions are disturbances in the feeling-body that detract from the natural peace of conscious embodiment. For example, people often pursue things or experiences that give them positive emotions, thinking that this will satisfy them. But eventually things are lost or experiences end, and the positive emotions give way to negative ones, leading to a tumultuous, roller-coaster experience of life. The key to lasting satisfaction is to become conscious enough that you no longer attach to things or experiences, and then it doesn’t matter, because your oneness with Being brings you joy regardless of what arises within the field of your experience. Any emotions that arise, whether positive or negative, are mere disturbances to be made conscious. They are what they are. Their roots are dissolved into serenity. Just remember that an intense emotion is neither good nor bad; it just is. To be with it without judgment is a fundamental aspect of spiritual work, even if it feels “negative” or “bad” to do so.”

–James Wood, Ten Paths to Freedom

“A person’s life consists of the thoughts and feelings which govern him.”

–Vernon Howard, Cosmic Command, # 2148