Emotional Reaction
What it is
An emotional reaction is a feeling that is stronger than the present situation alone can explain. Such reactions usually spring from unconscious images—mistaken conclusions formed in childhood—and the unresolved pain they still carry.
Why it matters
Rather than suppressing our emotional reactions or acting them out, the Pathwork Guide invites us to investigate them. Strong reactions point to images, old pain and mistaken beliefs are still influencing our lives. They become doorways to healing.
From Bones
~1~
We’ve gotten so used to our own emotional reactions that we can’t see what’s right in front of our eyes. Once we focus our awareness on even our slightest inner reactions, we will uncover valuable clues to work with.
But none of this can happen if nothing ever disturbs us. (Chapter 7)
~2~
The conclusions we form in childhood are not well thought out. They are really just our emotional reactions to life’s events. They are based on a certain limited logic, but they are nonetheless in error. (Chapter 9)
~3~
We might believe that God is unfair and unjust—a contrary force we must grapple with.
In our conscious minds, we may not see that this is so. But in our emotional reactions, it’s an entirely different story. And the greater the gap, the bigger the shock when we discover the discrepancy. (Chapter 14)
~4~
At the end of each day, we can review our emotional reactions. Realize that, contrary to the mistaken idea that we will see less and less due to our improvement, over time we will observe more and more.
So an essential prerequisite is close scrutiny of our emotions. (Chapter 15)
~5~
When we observe ourselves in a calm way,…what we uncover will be half-conscious thoughts and diffuse expressions. These are what we’ve been overlooking for ages.
By now, they are almost second nature.
To spot them, we just need to watch our hazy emotional reactions and compare them with our fantasy life. We want to pull our discrepancies, contradictions and immature expectations into a clearer focus.
In doing this, we will learn everything we need to know about ourselves, to live a meaningful life. (Chapter 15)
~6~
Sitting in meditation, we can ask ourselves: How much do I really want it? Are there some aspects of getting what I want that I fear? Am I willing to pay the price to have what I want?
Then we can set our mind on the right track by unifying our conscious and unconscious thoughts. This will work, as long as we don’t look away from any subtle emotional reactions arising from our inquiries. (Chapter 18)
