Emotions are
not merely reactions to the world; they are actively created by our brains. This happens through a complex
mix of sensory input, past experiences, and cognitive processes. This
perspective underscores the complex interplay between sensory input, past
experiences, and cognitive processes in shaping our emotional responses.

Our brains
don’t just passively take in sensory information. Instead, they actively
interpret and organize it based on what we already know and have experienced. This
challenges the notion that emotions are solely determined by external factors
and highlights the role of internal cognitive mechanisms in shaping our
emotional experiences.

Concepts and
language are crucial in making meaning of our sensory inputs and constructing
emotions. They allow us to categorize, interpret, and attribute meaning to
sensory input, which contributes to the formulation of emotions. Emotions can
be seen as a cognitive response to the constructed meaning of our experiences.

However,
it’s important to note that our emotions are not solely determined by our past
experiences and concepts. Our current situation and context also play a crucial
role in the emotions we construct.

Recognizing
that we have agency in constructing our emotions is empowering. By
understanding the active role our brains play in constructing our emotional
experiences, we can take steps to construct emotions that serve us better and
lead to more positive outcomes. We can practice mindfulness and cognitive
reappraisal techniques to construct emotions that are more adaptive and helpful
in a given situation.

Understanding
this active role our brains play in creating emotions empowers us. By being
mindful and using techniques like cognitive reappraisal, we can construct
emotions that are more adaptive and helpful in different situations. This
perspective underscores the importance of recognizing our agency in
constructing emotions for more positive outcomes in our lives.

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired