Emotion
I do not want to ponder on what emotion is. We all know exactly what emotion is for we have all felt it at some time or another. But this time my question is, what causes emotions. No, I am not talking about the neural synapses that fire, or what region of the brain is involved, but I am referring to what kind of incidents in our environment cause us to feel strong emotions that move our mind and sometimes even our bodies to actions. Two very specific places that we see emotional triggers are in music and in writing
I really can’t put my finger on what kind of music brings about emotions so I will move to writing. There are certain phrases that make our minds enjoy something or think that it is important these include phrases such as
“many years ago”
Before time began
And they lived happily ever after
Swaying trees
Autumn breeze
Starry sky
Basically anything that appeals to our senses causes us to feel an emotion of some sort or another
Besides just simple phrases there are ways of saying things.
Triads “Love, hope, and freedom for all.” (I just made that up, but it sounds pretty nice doesn’t it)
Alliteration “smooth sound of the softly singing sagebrush” (It doesn’t make any sense, but it sound’s nice)
Allusions “from the walls of the highest parapet to the towering trunk of George Washington’s cherry tree”
This last one is quite obvious that the reason it brings about emotions is because we are relating the subject at hand to something that is universally considered to be great (George Washington in this case). But there is still the question as to why that “something great” elicits an emotional response.
This sappy conundrum was written before school was out. Now, after experiencing two weeks of fellowship with God and his children in some of the most beautiful places on earth, I realize that I must add another emotional trigger to this list.
God, and everything about His creation and His people bring emotions that are completely different from the ones listed above. These emotions are sincere. They are emotions of gratitude for all that God is to us. Thankfulness for canyon breezes, freezing snow, warm friendship, close communion, and most of all eternal friendship and love to undeserving children like us.
3 comments:
Very interesting. I like the very ending of your writing. So true! And so it is with music. It brings feelings of many kinds. It shapes our attitude eventually too. Anyways. I saw Shama's blog and the video of you guys in the back of the car seat. Pretty funny! God bless!
Wow, that's pretty deep, Brian. As I sit here in Montana, listening to the birds and looking out at the fruit trees and the beautiful lake, I realize what a blessing that God's gifts are. Thanks for reminding me of that! God bless. Are you still at Southern? How's work going?
Interesting Brian. There's a lot to explore in this subject. I like how you've started out:) I think your final point ties in with my final point (lesson #50) on my blog.
God is so good; sometimes I can't help but just stand still and wonder at His beneficence. Remember when we were sitting on that canyon wall just singing into the night? I think that sometimes the only appropriate response is to return our praise to the Creator.
Thanks for the stimulating post. Looking forward to more!
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