Feelings 101

There does not appear to be one distinct emotions center in the brain. When an emotion is triggered, it tends to arise simultaneously in cells throughout brain and body as a product of the brain and body acting in concert. When in the grip of a strong emotion, you are in a biochemically-altered state. Emotions and feelings represent differing but inter-related concepts that follow separate and different pathways in the brain. They are mediated by two distinct neuronal systems [The Lancet Neurology, March 2004]. In and of themselves, emotions and feelings are not Emotional Intelligence—but EQ involves applying your knowledge of emotions and feelings effectively and appropriately in order to increase your likelihood of success. It also involves selecting with care the behaviors you exhibit around those feelings. It means selecting with care the four or five people with whom you spend the most time as within about three years you are likely to begin picking up the characteristics they exhibit.