What Are Feeling States?

 

We all experience many different feelings every single day. Happy, sad, angry, scared, and everything between. “Feeling states” are the names for these feelings.”

A feeling state is an emotional experience that may last for a little while. It’s bigger than a feeling that comes and goes quickly. Feeling states color how we see the world around us.

Why Feeling States Matter

Our feeling impact our whole lives in big ways:

• They influence our thoughts and behaviors
• They affect our energy levels and motivation
• They shape our attitudes and perspectives
• They impact our relationships with others
• They contribute to our wellbeing

That’s why it’s so important to understand our feeling. When we get stuck in negative feeling states, it causes problems. But balanced, positive feeling states allow us to thrive.

Types 

There are many varieties of feeling states we may go through, including:

Positive States

• Joy/Happiness
• Calm/Peacefulness
• Inspiration/Motivation
• Curiosity/Interest
• Love/Affection

Negative States

• Sadness/Depression
• Anger/Resentment
• Fear/Anxiety
• Shame/Insecurity
• Boredom/Apathy

We experience different feeling states based on our thoughts, circumstances, and life experiences. The key is being able to shift out of negative ones.

How Feeling States Arise

Feeling states don’t just appear out of nowhere. They arise based on:

• Thoughts/Beliefs : Like “I’m not good enough”
• Memories : Remembering a painful experience
• Situations : Like failing a big test
• Unmet Needs : Needing more love or security
• Physical Factors : Lack of sleep, poor diet, etc.

When we feed negative thought patterns, it creates negative states. Conversely, positive thoughts promote positive feeling states like optimism and contentment.

Getting Stuck 

Sometimes we get stuck in unhelpful feeling states that disrupt our functioning. This happens when we cling to thoughts or beliefs that reinforce those feelings over and over. For example:

• Ruminating on a perceived wrong can lead to anger.
• Depression when we believe we are unlovable
• Anxiety when we think something terrible will happen

Feeling states become habitual and harder to break free from over time. This clouds our judgment and perspective in damaging ways.

Shifting Feeling States

Luckily, we have the power to shift our emotional state! With self-awareness and practice, we can move out of negative states into more positive, resourceful ones.

Techniques like:

• Questioning negative thoughts
• Letting go of grudges/hurt
• Gratitude and appreciation
• Deep breathing and mindfulness
• Bonding with supportive loved ones
• self-care (sleep, nutrition, exercise)

All help disrupt unhelpful feeling states and promote inner peace and groundedness.

Benefits 

When we master our ability to shift into positive feeling states, it allows us to:

• Think clearly and make wise choices
• Manage stress and challenges better
• Feel energized, motivated and confident
• Treat ourselves and others with compassion
• Pursue our biggest goals and dreams
• Experience more life satisfaction

Mastering our feeling is a superpower! It determines our quality of life in so many ways.

The Feeling State You Want to Be In

Of course, we’re human and will cycle through all kinds of feeling. Even tough ones serve a purpose at times.

But ideally, most of us want to live in feeling states like:

• Contentment – Feeling at peace and grounded
• Curiosity – Having an open, eager mindset
• Confidence – Believing in ourselves and capabilities
• Inspiration – Feeling motivated to grow and improve
• Joy – Experiencing regular moments of happiness
• Love – Feeling bonded with others and all life

These allow us to thrive, create great things, and contribute our gifts fully to the world.

Conclusion

Our feeling shape our inner lives profoundly. They influence how we think, behave, relate, and experience reality itself.

While we can’t control everything that happens, we do have power over our feeling. We can disengage from negative ones fueled by unhelpful thoughts and beliefs.

By building self-awareness and practicing techniques to shift our state, we can live from positive feelings more often. These allow us to fully show up for our lives with clarity, energy and wholeness.

So pay close attention to your feeling states. Don’t let them run on auto-pilot. Guide them with care and wisdom so you can be your brightest, most authentic self.

FAQs

Q1: How long do feeling states typically last for?

 Feeling states can last for a short period like an hour, or extend for days, weeks or even years in some cases. Moreover, It depends on how rooted and habitual the state has become in our psyche.

Q2: What if I get stuck shifting out of a negative feeling state?

If you get stuck, be patient yet proactive. Keep using techniques to challenge negative thoughts. Consider counseling. Most importantly, be very self-compassionate while working through it.

Q3: Can physical things like diet/exercise impact feeling states?

Absolutely. Taking excellent care of our physical health plays a big role in our ability to regulate feeling in a balanced way. Furthermore, an unhealthy lifestyle promotes negative feeling states.

Q4: Do feeling states change as we get older?

Yes, feeling can certainly evolve over our lifespan based on life experiences and chapters. We may have to work on mastering new feeling as our circumstances change.

Q5: How will improving feeling benefit my life?

 Improved feeling states allow you to show up as your highest, most resilient self. You’ll have more energy, clarity, happiness and peace. Moreover, you’ll nurture meaningful relationships and live aligned with your values.

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