The power and peril of emotions
Emotions are unstable and short-lived in the natural order of things, and they often have little to do with the present moment we share with others. Many people think that emotions interfere with our ability to experience the present. The way we 'feel' about our situation is simpler and less confusing than we think. From an evolutionary perspective, emotions are meant to be felt in the moment instead of remembered or anticipated. It may sound harsh or insensitive, but research shows that emotions last only 90 seconds unless we consciously keep them alive. Most conventional ways of seeking pleasure are misguided and can lead to dopamine addiction. Our idea of happiness and living well is influenced by our past experiences and limited by our personal biases, moral beliefs and social norms and values. This means that your uncle who is always grumpy, or your aunt who holds a grudge for years, or your friend who suffers from chronic emotional distress, or the stranger who takes offe