The relationship between thought and emotion is more dynamic than it first appears. Sometimes thought gives rise to emotion. At other times emotion comes first and thought follows. Understanding how mind, heart, and awareness interact can help step out of this cycle.
what
causes
what
does thought
trigger emotion
or does emotion
trigger thought
can both
be true
when
presented
with
reality
the ego
may respond
with
thought
-this is wrong
-this is perfect
these
thoughts
can stir
emotion
-fear
-anger
-happiness
heart rate
rises
chest tightens
breath shortens
however
when
presented
with
reality
the heart
may respond
with
emotion
the
mind
jumps in
with
its stories
-what is wrong
-this is wonderful
thought
is of mind
and
may begin
the
dance
emotion
is of heart
they interact
constantly
but they originate
in different parts
of our inner being
most of the time
thought and emotion
are not separate
They trigger
and reinforce
each other
thought triggers
emotion
emotion fuels
thought
the cycle continues
ego maintains
its hold
where is the way out
awareness
when one observes
-a thought just arose
-a feeling just arose
one is no longer
caught
in the
cycle
one is
witnessing
from stillness
we are not thought
we are not emotion
we are the space
in which both
arise and pass
summary
-ego generates thought
-thought may evoke emotion
-heart generates emotion
-emotion may evoke thought
the practice
is not to control
the practice
is to watch
and put
them
aside
without
clinging
or
resistance
om