‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’
– Sigmund Freud. He was a renowned Austrian neurologist, and pioneer of psychoanalysis, developed a clinical approach to understanding and addressing psychological conflicts through dialogue between patient and psychoanalyst. His groundbreaking theory of mind and human agency continues to influence the field to this day.
Dear readers,
Welcome to a heartfelt journey through the four pivotal senses that shape our lives: Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, and Intellectual. In my “Life Senses” column this year, I humbly invite you to explore these dimensions with me, sharing insights, experiences, and reflections that have become deeply personal and transformative.
Let us embark on this adventure, beginning with the Emotional Sense. This part of the journey delves into the essence of human feeling and connection, drawing inspiration from renowned figures like Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers. Together, we’ll navigate the landscape of emotional well-being, uncovering how understanding our feelings not only enriches our lives but also fosters deeper empathy and connection with others.
As we progress through this year, particularly from February to April 2025, I will immerse you in the Emotional Sense through various perspectives. Expect an honest exploration of emotions, insights into navigating them, and the personal stories that have shaped my emotional growth. My sincere intention is to share with you a compass for navigating your emotions, a sanctuary where you can find understanding and compassion.
Following the Emotional Sense, we will move our focus to the Physical Sense from May to July 2025. This foundational aspect of well-being, celebrated in medical traditions worldwide, reminds us of the importance of nurturing our bodies. Together, we’ll explore practical approaches and age-old wisdom for fostering physical health and vitality.
Next, from August to October 2025, we’ll delve into the Spiritual Sense, where we seek meaning and purpose in our lives. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s works and enriched by diverse religious and philosophical traditions, this exploration will offer insights into cultivating a sense of purpose and connection with the greater universe.
Lastly, we’ll turn to the Intellectual Sense from November till January 2026, a realm where our minds expand and grow. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and contemporary educational theories, we’ll explore the importance of continuous learning and mental stimulation.
Dear readers, Life is a kaleidoscope of experiences that touch various aspects of our being. Every colour, every pattern, and every twist represent not just our external circumstances, but also our internal senses—emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual. In this article, I invite you to an exploration of these four senses, offering insights and personal anecdotes along the way. Our journey begins with the emotional sense, delving deep into its significance and impact on our daily lives.
Emotional Sense…What Is It? Emotional sense is our capacity to recognize, understand, and regulate feelings. It is a fundamental aspect of our psychological well-being that influences our behaviours and interactions with others. Pioneering psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers have long underscored the importance of emotional awareness, helping us comprehend that our emotions can shape our realities.
You might wonder, why is it crucial to understand our emotional senses. Well, emotional awareness plays a vital role in our relationships, decision-making, and overall quality of life. When we acknowledge our feelings, we can address them constructively rather than letting them govern us. For instance, someone aware of her frustration may communicate that feeling instead of lashing out in anger.
Conversely, a lack of emotional awareness can lead to significant problems. Consider individuals who suppress their emotions—this can manifest in unhealthy coping mechanisms, social withdrawal, or even depression. To illustrate, think about someone who has lost a loved one but refuses to confront her grief. This avoidance can complicate that person’s healing process, leading to emotional disturbances that resonate throughout her life.
Many people traverse life without a strong grasp of their emotional sense. Take, for example, a corporate employee who feels stressed but convinces herself that “it’s just part of the job.” Over time, this emotional suppression can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a complete disconnection from her authentic self. People like this might find themselves irritable at home, disengaged from hobbies, or unable to enjoy social settings—subtly but surely, their emotional landscape deteriorates.
So how does this happen? It may stem from societal pressures, cultural norms, or personal trauma. In certain cases, an individual’s upbringing may undervalue emotional expression, leading them to dismiss their feelings. Unfortunately, without intervention, this cycle often perpetuates, impacting one’s relationships, career, and mental health.
Carl Rogers famously said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” This quote encapsulates the essence of emotional awareness—the journey toward accepting our feelings as valid, allowing us to foster growth. On the other hand, Sigmund Freud’s findings remind us that our unconscious mind frequently plays a role in shaping our emotional responses. Freud posited that emotions could become repressed, influencing our behaviour in ways we might not recognise.
My journey into understanding the emotional sense has been deeply influenced by my 12 years of experience working with cancer patients in China. Many of these individuals grapple with profound emotional struggles, stemming from their diagnosis and the existential questions that arise. Witnessing their battles with emotional dissonance, I’ve come to appreciate how fundamentally our emotional health shapes our lives.
For several patients, the emotional sense often became entangled with their physical suffering. The patients I worked with had difficulty processing fear and anxiety during their treatment. They described feeling isolated as if no one understood the turmoil. It became apparent that acknowledging their feelings would facilitate not just their emotional healing, but also contribute to their physical recovery. We discussed mindfulness techniques, encouraging them to embrace their emotions rather than avoid them.
Through numerous conversations, I’ve seen how recognizing and engaging with one’s emotional sense can lead to profound transformations. Individuals who once felt lost in their emotions began to articulate their fears, hopes and desires, leading to a greater perception of control over their lives.
In wrapping up our introductory exploration of the emotional sense, it is clear that understanding our feelings can illuminate the path toward a more fulfilling life. From feeling to fulfilling. As we continue this series, we will venture into the physical, spiritual, and intellectual senses, dissecting how they intertwine with our emotional landscape. My experiences have reinforced this belief: when we embrace our emotions, we are not only validating our humanity but paving the way for deeper connections, holistic wellness, and personal growth. You are welcome to join me in this journey as we uncover what it truly means to feel alive.
My desire to share these insights with you stems from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of understanding and integrating these senses. By embracing each aspect, we can lead more balanced and fulfilling lives and foster deeper connections with ourselves and the world around us.
I hope you find inspiration, comfort, and perhaps a new perspective. I look forward to sharing this intimate exploration with you and hearing about your experiences as we journey together through Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, and Intellectual well-being. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me. Next week, we’ll uncover how understanding and embracing our emotions foster profound self-improvement and transformation. The topic would be Emotional Self-awareness for our Personal Growth. May we continue this journey with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace the depth of our emotional senses and its landscapes.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
