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Emotions Vocabulary
Places we go when life is good
In Chapter 11 of Atlas of the Heart, titled “Places We Go When Life Is Good,” Brené Brown delves into the nuanced landscape of positive emotions that arise during periods of well-being and fulfillment. This chapter explores eight distinct emotional states: joy, happiness, calm, contentment, gratitude, foreboding joy, relief, and tranquility. Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding and articulating these emotions to foster deeper connections with ourselves and others.
Joy is described as a sudden, intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation. It often arises unexpectedly and is characterized by a sense of freedom and expansiveness. Unlike happiness, which is more enduring and self-focused, joy is fleeting and often linked to moments of profound connection with others, nature, or the divine.
Happiness, in contrast, is a more stable and long-lasting emotion. It is associated with a sense of satisfaction and control over one’s circumstances. While joy is intense and momentary, happiness provides a consistent backdrop of contentment in life.
Calm is characterized by the ability to maintain perspective and mindfulness while managing emotional reactivity. It involves intentional practices such as deep breathing, perspective-taking, and curiosity. Brown suggests that calmness can be cultivated by asking oneself questions like, “Do I have enough information to freak out?” and “Will freaking out help?”
Contentment refers to the feeling of completeness and appreciation when one’s needs are satisfied. It is associated with a sense of “enoughness” and is positively correlated with greater life satisfaction and well-being. Brown notes that contentment can magnify the positive elements of one’s life, leading to a deeper sense of gratitude.
Gratitude is an emotion that reflects deep appreciation for what we value and what brings meaning to our lives. It is a practice that involves actively recognizing and celebrating the positives in our lives, which in turn enhances our overall well-being. Gratitude is linked to improved sleep, creativity, and decision-making skills, and it decreases entitlement, hostility, and aggression.
Foreboding Joy is the feeling of dread that can accompany moments of joy, stemming from the fear that something bad will happen to offset the good. Brown identifies this as a common response to vulnerability, where individuals brace themselves against potential loss or disappointment. She suggests that practicing gratitude can help individuals fully embrace joyful moments without fear.
Relief is experienced when tension leaves the body, often following a stressful or challenging situation. It is characterized by a sense of safety and the ability to breathe more easily. Relief allows individuals to move forward and engage with new experiences.
Tranquility is associated with the absence of demand and the pressure to do anything. It is a state of peacefulness and restfulness that allows individuals to relish the feeling of simply being. Tranquility is distinct from relaxation in that it involves a deeper sense of inner peace and contentment.
Brown’s exploration of these emotions underscores the complexity and richness of positive emotional experiences. By naming and understanding these feelings, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and connection with others. This chapter serves as a reminder that acknowledging and embracing positive emotions is as vital to our emotional well-being as processing negative ones.