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What are Emotions Feelings & Moods?

Shalaka Tambe

Emotions are a big part of our day to day lives. They influence our Relationships, both with self and others, they influence every domain, every aspect of our life. They influence how we experience our life itself. For most of us, even though we do not realize this, no one ever actually taught us what Emotions are and what they really look like? We also are not aware about the difference between Feelings and Emotions. We navigate our lives with insufficient knowledge and half awareness.

Emotions, Feelings, and Moods are all related to each other but they are not the same. We often use the terms Emotions and Feelings interchangeably. But they are not the same. They are combination of Physical and Mental response to any event, situation, person, or circumstances. They do not occur in isolation. Emotions come first followed by Feelings. And Moods occur because of a combination of various feelings. For most period, we navigate through our Emotions unconsciously, through our own experiences and trial and error, mostly in a reactive mode. Because we never had the tools to help us Navigate and Manage our Emotions with a Positive Proactive approach. And the first thing to do proactively is to understand the difference between, Emotions, Feelings and Moods.

So, let us quickly look at what are Emotions, Feelings & Moods and what are some key differences between Emotions, Feelings and Moods. And label them with right words.

What are Emotions?

Emotions are an inherent part of our Body and Mind. We have 9 basic Emotions or Nav Rasas which are present in every human being. 1) Hasya- Joy, 2) Raudra -Anger, 3) Vera – Courage, 4) Shringaar -Love, 5) Karuna – Sadness or Compassion, 6) Adbhut – Amazement, 7) Bhayanaka – Fear, 8) Vibhatsa – Disgust, 9) Shanta – Calmness Emotions are our Mind and body’s response to any trigger or stimuli. The stimuli can be an event, a situation, a person, a memory, or an experience. How we think about these stimuli causes emotions to surface and arise in our mind and body. So, thoughts lead to Emotions and Emotions lead to behaviour. Most of the times, Emotions occur subconsciously or automatically. We become aware of its presence only after it has manifested into a bodily sensation or Mind pattern. And so, when we act upon our emotions, our behaviour is also on autopilot mode. It is said that, Emotions stay or last in our body and mind for around 6 seconds. That is how short their duration is. But it is the feelings which come after our emotions, that stay with us longer.

What are Feelings?

Feelings are related to emotions, but they are not emotions. Feelings occur when we start to integrate and think about the Emotions. Feelings are Mental & Physical response to the emotions. Feelings are what we make meaning of our emotions. Our feelings are derived from Emotional data points. A Feeling is how we perceive the sensation caused by the emotion in our body and brain. Mostly Emotions happen subconsciously, whereas Feeling is a conscious experience created after the Emotion has surfaced. Feelings are our ways or our patterns to respond to an emotional trigger. And as they are a conscious experience created by us, it stays with us longer than the
Emotions.

What are Moods?

Moods are a mix or combination of feelings & emotions. It is a combination of mental, physical, and emotional state of a person. So, Moods are not dependant on any one trigger or stimuli, but they are a general collection of feelings that we carry with us for longer periods. Moods are more long lasting than emotions and feelings. Moods are not as intense as Emotions and Feelings. They are milder in nature. But a Mood persists for longer time. Both Positive, constructive Moods and Negative, Adverse Moods can last for long times.

What are Feelings?

Feelings are related to emotions, but they are not emotions. Feelings occur when we start to integrate and think about the Emotions. Feelings are Mental & Physical response to the emotions. Feelings are what we make meaning of our emotions. Our feelings are derived from Emotional data points. A Feeling is how we perceive the sensation caused by the emotion in our body and brain. Mostly Emotions happen subconsciously, whereas Feeling is a conscious experience created after the Emotion has surfaced. Feelings are our ways or our patterns to respond to an emotional trigger. And as they are a conscious experience created by us, it stays with us longer than the
Emotions.

What are Moods?

Moods are a mix or combination of feelings & emotions. It is a combination of mental, physical, and emotional state of a person. So, Moods are not dependant on any one trigger or stimuli, but they are a general collection of feelings that we carry with us for longer periods. Moods are more long lasting than emotions and feelings. Moods are not as intense as Emotions and Feelings. They are milder in nature. But a Mood persists for longer time. Both Positive, constructive Moods and Negative, Adverse Moods can last for long times.

What are Emotions Feelings & Moods?

Emotions

Feelings

Moods

Definition

Emotions are literal chemical response to any trigger or stimuli (thought, sound, sight, smell, memories, experiences) which then triggers a psychological response in the brain and body.

Feelings occur when we start to integrate and think about the Emotions. Feelings are Mental & Physical response to the emotions.

Moods are a mix or combination of feelings & emotions. It is a combination of mental +physical+ emotional state

Nature & Duration

Emotions are fleeting in nature; they come and go. Emotions occur in matter of seconds in our body and mind and stay with us for a short time. It is said that emotions last for about 6 seconds in
our body & mind. Emotions are amplifying energized thought patterns. Emotions are E-energy in Motion

Feelings last longer than emotions. A feeling can remain with us for several minutes. Feelings are not as active or energetic as emotions

Moods stay with us longer. Because it is combination of different feelings & emotions, Moods can linger in our psychological & physical system for hours, days or sometimes even weeks.

As per Western Psychology there are 8 basic emotions

  • Joy
  • Fear
  • Surprise
  • Trust
  • Sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Disgust
  • Anger

As per Hindu or vedic Philosophy there are 9 Basic Emotions – The Navras – The 9 Rasas

  • Hasya – Joy
  • Bhaya – Fear
  • Raudra – Anger
  • Shringaar – Love
  • Veera – Courage
  • Karuna – Compassion
  • Adbhut – Surprise
  • Vibhatsya – Disgust
  • Shanta – Peace

Types & Examples of Feelings & Moods

Moods –

Some examples

  • Relaxed
  • Sad
  • Excited
  • Happy
  • Unhappy
  • Depressed
  • Loving

  • Caring
  • Rejuvinated
  • Peaceful
  • Content
  • Lazy
  • Lethargic
  • Restless
  • Jubiliant

 

Feelings –

Some examples

  • Joy
  • Love
  • Happiness
  • Contentment
  • Excitement
  • Pride
  • Peace
  • Satisfaction
  • Worried, Stressful, Uncomfortable
  • Anxious, Nervous, Doubtful
  • Raudra – Anger
  • Dissapointed
  • Unhappy, greived, troubled
  • Confused, Distracted
  • Anoyed, Frustrated, Irritated
  • Offended, Distubed