Emotions have a biochemical structure in our bodies. They consist of specific peptides and hormones. For instance, the feeling of "butterflies in the stomach" is a well-known example of a strong physical sensation that signifies the emotion of excitement.
This knowledge is a crucial precursor to forming emotional intelligence, or bodily intelligence. We can define it as the ability or skill to perceive sensations in our bodies and find appropriate responses to them. If we do not know that these sensations must be present and do not recognize that they are present, we will never embark on the journey of self-discovery to better understand them and respond correctly to their stimuli.
These sensations are nothing more than a demystified sixth sense. The body, which communicates with us through the language of symptoms, experiences each emotion uniquely. All vivid or repetitive events and impressions that a person ever experiences are recorded in the body and certain parts of the brain.
Therefore, advanced emotional intelligence plays a significant role in our personal performance, social interactions, and most importantly, serves as armor for the healthy functioning of our biological hardware, known as our body.
If emotions are chemicals that can be felt (once we learn how), where are they located in our bodies? Usually, negative repressed emotions wisely choose their hidden place to finally be heard. In other words, they will affect the organ that is most sensitive and susceptible to their biochemical structure of peptides and hormones, as already explained.
Anger and frustration settle in the chest and often lead to many cardiovascular disorders. They directly affect our thymus and thyroid gland, weaken our immune system, constrict our throat and neck, and cause unrest.
Fear causes tightening in the lower abdomen, creates a feeling of coldness in the body, and is a great enemy of our kidneys. The global epidemic of so-called "adrenal fatigue" is closely linked to feelings of fear and inadequacy. It is well-known that when we are scared, we may feel the need to urgently go to the toilet. Fear, therefore, can cause digestive problems by forcing us to empty our bowels urgently. All of this has its purpose. Imagine seeing a tiger and needing to run away from it. The adrenaline rush will make you release all unnecessary burdens so you can run faster. In today's modern world, we rarely find ourselves in situations of fleeing from beasts, but many social situations have a similar effect on our brain. For example, a situation where your boss tells you that you need to improve your efficiency by 50 percent or you will be fired. Although losing a job does not pose a life-threatening danger, it can significantly impact your lifestyle, which for our brain can be equivalent to survival situations from 100,000 years ago. In such situations, we will feel fear and discomfort, as well as a surge of adrenaline and cortisol that prompts us to physical action, but we will not be able to run away because it would be socially unacceptable. That fear accumulates in our body because we do not "run it out." After a certain time, it will find a way to remind us of its presence, which can lead to conditions like urinary infections.
Sadness is an emotion associated with separation from something or someone we love. Attachment represents the feminine principle, inhabits our left side, and manifests as painful pressure in the left half of the chest or in the center, around the heart. It often resides in the lungs. As the respiratory system deteriorates, the body becomes more susceptible to infections, which is why there is a common saying: 'He died of sadness.'
Excessive worry points to an overburdened central nervous system leading to problems in the spleen area and causing symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.
In general, high stress disrupts homeostasis, resulting in numerous side effects like asthmatic disorders, hair loss, cardiovascular diseases, gastritis, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and reproductive system diseases. This is a well-known and scientifically proven fact.
Disgust can trigger psychosomatic illnesses in the pancreas, liver, and other internal organs. Envy is a negative and highly destructive feeling caused by another person's success and increases the likelihood of a heart attack. So, wouldn't it be worthwhile to change our beliefs and perception of life circumstances to prevent these undesirable outcomes? Or learn to listen to our own bodies?
That is why Pleione was created, our site and refuge—to help you realize and acknowledge that you have more influence and responsibility for your own health, body well-being, and appearance than you ever thought before. Exercise and healthy eating are key, but unless they are supplemented with a healthy emotional context that we can all create, the key to longevity and your best life will still be out of your reach.
The body is the key to dealing with emotions, and the examples mentioned are just a small part of the dangers they can create. Denying the need to improve emotional intelligence is not only naive and closed-minded but also very dangerous as it sets a trap of self-sabotage and potentially leads to premature aging. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to feel and look healthy, young, and beautiful? Beauty comes from within, and this primarily refers to beautiful sensations and feelings. It is a skill that we can all learn. The next question is how?
Are you ready to embrace your authentic self? Take the first step towards authentic and inspiring living.
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