Emotions

It might take time for you to understand what the non-expression of automatic emotions entails, and that is fine. What is entailed in not indulging in your automatic emotions is being conscious all the time. We are not talking about suppressing the emotions; we’re talking about not expressing them. To express them discharges them, and that stops you from really understanding and going deeper. Expressing emotions stops the process of transformation, because a truly mature human being does not act on these emotions. This practice is most important; and doing it will teach us a lot. (Diamond Heart Book 4, pg 53)

There is a beauty to the human being who experiences his or her suffering without indulging, and getting lost in it. Truth sometimes leads to the elimination of suffering, but it can also lead to pain. Whichever results, if the student allows the perspective of love and appreciation for reality, for truth – aware that it brings joy or pain – a feeling of deep intimacy within will result. You could be intimate with yourself, which is satisfying and fulfilling regardless of whether the outcome of the problem results in pain or pleasure. (Diamond Heart Book 4, pg 58)

Essence and emotions

Essence is something more real and more substantial than emotions. Essence is something as a real as your blood. It is not a reaction. But emotions are necessary for us. We need to become aware of our emotions in order to understand and see our Essence; emotions are a guide and point to where Essence has been lost. Understanding emotions can help untangle the knots of the defenses which are attempts to avoid experiencing the holes, and which maintain our separation from Essence. (Diamond Heart Book 1, pg 25)

Most people wonder, if you don’t feel emotions what will you feel? The more you feel Essence, the less you feel emotions. You will still have sensations, and they will be deeper and stronger; but when you feel Essence, your emotions will not be deeper and stronger. An emotion is only a response of the nervous system. Essence is not a response of the nervous system. There is something there filling you. Part of you is present. Some people call the essential aspects "the real feelings." But what people usually call feelings or emotions are not Essence. Love, peace, value, strength and will are aspects of Essence. That is the kind of thing you experience. These are Essence. Instead of experiencing anger you experience strength, calm strength; instead of feeling superior or inferior, you experience value; you experience yourself as a rounded Presence that is full and powerful. (Diamond Heart Book 1, pg 25)