What Are Emotions? A Closer Look at Their Purpose and Power

Have you ever wondered why a simple feeling can completely change your day? Or why certain emotions seem to take control, pushing us to act in ways we later question? In this deep dive into the nature of emotions, we'll explore their hidden structure and discover how understanding them can transform our lives.

Emotions are woven into every aspect of our lives. They’re often described as “feelings,” but there’s so much more to them - they’re our internal signals, guiding our reactions, shaping our behaviours, and even influencing our relationships. But what are emotions at their core, and why do they sometimes feel so powerful and overwhelming?

When I was training to become a professional coach, I was introduced to the work of Dan Newby, a pioneer in understanding and coaching emotions. His approach opened my eyes to the depth and purpose of emotions, highlighting that emotions are not just “feelings” but vital indicators with their own logic, patterns, and even structures. As Newby suggests, “Emotions are the energy that moves us.” This insight completely shifted my perspective, helping me see emotions as practical tools rather than abstract or unpredictable reactions.

The Structure and Function of Emotions

Dan Newby's model, which I still use today, offers a new way to interpret emotions by understanding them through three key elements:

1. The Narrative: The story we tell ourselves about what's happening

2. The Impulse: The action we're moved to take

3. The Purpose: The function this emotion serves in our lives

Let's look at some examples:

	Narrative	Impulse	Purpose
Fear	"There's danger ahead"	To freeze or flee	Signals us to be alert to potential threats
Joy	"Life is good right now"	To share and celebrate	Encourages us to seek out positive experiences
Anger	"Something isn't right"	To take action	Helps us identify and respond to injustices

Recognising these functions allows us to view emotions as essential tools, even when they’re uncomfortable. Our feelings often point us toward something important, whether it’s a need for security, connection, or change.

Like Rodin's 'The Thinker,' emotional awareness requires us to pause and reflect deeply on our inner experiences.

Emotional Awareness: The First Step in Building EQ

Emotional awareness is about identifying and understanding our feelings in the moment. This process is central to Emotional Intelligence (EQ), which is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. High EQ, a valuable skill in both personal and professional contexts, begins with self-awareness. By observing and naming our emotions, we can gain insight into why we feel the way we do and how we might respond.

Using the Wheel of Emotions

Psychologist Dr. Robert Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions (see earlier post "The Evolution of Emotions: From Survival Instincts to Self-Growth") offers a practical way to identify and label our feelings. For example, if we experience anger, the wheel may help us explore whether it's actually frustration, bitterness, or even betrayal. Naming emotions precisely can diffuse some of their intensity, making it easier to choose how we respond rather than reacting impulsively.

Practice Makes Progress: Your Emotional Awareness Exercise

Try this simple but powerful exercise:

1. Pause: When you notice a strong emotion, take three deep breaths

2. Observe: What triggered this feeling? Where do you feel it in your body?

3. Identify: Use the Wheel of Emotions to name your specific feeling

4. Record: Write down:

• The emotion you're experiencing

• What triggered it

• Any physical sensations

• Your initial impulse to act

5. Reflect: What might this emotion be telling you about your needs or boundaries?

The Power of Self-Understanding

As we become more aware of our emotions, we’re better positioned to use them as guides rather than obstacles. In leadership and professional settings, this ability to recognise and manage emotions is invaluable, allowing us to remain composed, make informed decisions, and connect with others authentically.

Looking Ahead

In our next post, we'll explore the fascinating world of unconscious emotions and their subtle influence on our behaviour. We'll discover how bringing these hidden emotional drivers into awareness can help us take charge of our responses and create more meaningful connections with others.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotions have a clear structure: narrative, impulse, and purpose

• Understanding this structure helps us work with our emotions more effectively

• Regular emotional awareness practice builds stronger EQ

• Even challenging emotions serve important purposes in our lives.