THE CLIMB

Feelings and emotions are not just fleeting experiences; they are vital tools that guide us through life. From physical sensations like pain steering us away from harm to emotional signals nudging us toward deeper understanding, our emotions are the connective tissue in the pursuit of problem-solving. This concept is explored in-depth by Dr. Laith Al-Shawaf, an evolutionary psychologist, in his conversation with Chris Williamson. He explains how emotions are integral to decision-making, especially when we feel stuck.

What Are Feelings and Emotions?

• Feelings are subjective experiences of emotions, such as happiness or sadness.
• Emotions are automatic, physiological responses to stimuli that prepare the body for action.

Understanding this distinction is key to leveraging emotions for problem-solving.

Emotions as Signals for Action

Dr. Al-Shawaf highlights how emotions function as signals that prompt specific actions. For example:

• Fear alerts us to danger and compels us to seek safety.
• Anger signals an injustice, encouraging us to address it.
• Sadness often draws attention to loss or unmet needs, urging reflection and connection.
• Love is a feeling that leads to being known and comforted. We will strive for connection.

If we only feel these emotions without taking action, we risk harm or stagnation. Imagine feeling hot but refusing to move away from a fire—eventually, it burns. Similarly, feeling stuck in life without responding to the underlying emotional signals can lead to prolonged dissatisfaction.

Why We Get Stuck

Feeling stuck often occurs when emotions become overwhelming, or their messages are ignored. Common reasons include:

• Fear of Change: Anxiety about uncertainty prevents action.
• Emotional Avoidance: Ignoring or suppressing emotions leads to unresolved issues.
• Overthinking: Analyzing emotions without action creates paralysis.

How to Use Emotions to Solve Problems

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Notice what you feel without judgment.
2. Identify the Message: What is your emotion telling you? For instance, is your sadness indicating a need for connection?
3. Take Action: Emotions are meant to provoke movement. If fear suggests danger, create a safety plan.
4. Seek Support: Therapy or counseling can help decipher complex emotional signals.

How Time Shapes Emotional Problem-Solving

Dr. Al-Shawaf explains that emotions evolved to help humans adapt and thrive. For example:

• Gratitude fosters social bonds, enhancing cooperation.
• Disgust prevents harmful behaviors, like eating spoiled food.

Applying this framework to modern challenges reveals that emotions still serve as practical tools for problem-solving.

Practical Steps to Move Forward

For someone who feels stuck in life:

• Reflect: Ask, “What am I feeling, and why?”
• Journal: Writing down emotions helps process their meanings.
• Experiment: Test small actions to address emotional signals.

The Takeaway: Emotions Are Allies, Not Enemies

When used effectively, emotions become a roadmap for navigating challenges. Instead of fearing or avoiding them, see emotions as invitations to grow. As Dr. Al-Shawaf suggests, embracing these signals can lead to profound personal transformation. If you are wanting to learn how to learn how to make your emotions more helpful and adaptive to being healthier, we can offer you support at The Pursuit.