Skip to content

Our Emotions on a Roller Coaster

This week more and more data and details about the pandemic have been directed at us. How does all that information affect us? How does it impact our emotions? And most importantly, where does it all go? Most of it, according to popular thinking, is stored in the left-brain hemisphere. Some of it, notably the fear and anxiety, go into the right hemisphere and affect our emotions, as outlined in this commentary:

“The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body. It also performs tasks that have to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics. On the other hand, the right hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body, and performs tasks that have do with creativity and the arts.”

Questioning popular thinking and presenting a different view is a study by the University of Utah (Dr. Jeff Anderson), which says:

“It’s absolutely true that some brain functions occur in one or the other side of the brain. Language tends to be on the left, attention more on the right. But people don’t tend to have a stronger left- or right-sided brain network. It seems to be determined more connection by connection.”

So yes, the ‘right-brain-left-brain’ theory has been questioned by several studies and some would say it has been laid to rest. But the reality remains that all that reporting, all the relentless publicity lands in our brains, and becomes part of our mindset. Inevitably, it is translated into our attitudes and emotions.

Looking towards the future

We are all experiencing the pandemic, each in our own way. Some take it in stride, unquestioningly following the dictates of the authorities, complying with the rules and controlling their emotions. They seem secure in the belief that if they do everything right they will not become ill, and one day they will once more ‘go back to normal’. But as it drags on, some people have become weary and feel it has gone on far too long. Especially concerning are the prognostications by certain officials, that there is more to come. Coming also, I suspect, is more upheaval—more racial unrest, more political issues, more crisis such as the fires we are experiencing now.

No longer ignoring the psychological effects of this pandemic, a wide-ranging study has been launched. An article by Katie DeRosa, writing for the Times Colonist (September 11, 2020) reports that this research will involve eleven countries from Canada to India, and will ask the participants about their physical and mental health, including alcohol and substance use—measures which many take to alleviate their anxiety. Results of the study, which will include several rounds over time, will hopefully result in new government programs and policies.

I’m happy that emotional aspects of our lives will be given some attention. Anything that addresses our right brain responses is welcome.

What can help calm your emotions?

It appears that meditation, a practice which was considered ‘subversive’ during the 1970s when I started, has now gone mainstream. Here are are some of the insights included in a US government site:

“Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Mind and body practices focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior

There are many types of meditation, but most have four elements in common: a quiet location with as few distractions as possible; a specific, comfortable posture (sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions); a focus of attention (a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or the sensations of the breath); and an open attitude (letting distractions come and go naturally without judging them).”

I have experienced many benefits from meditation and continue to meditate to this day. I do not belong to a traditional religion, but I do believe in a Higher Power and I do pray. Whatever your beliefs, meditating and praying during this time of uncertainty and distress, will give you comfort and reassurance and calm your emotions. I believe also that meditation and prayer help to raise the consciousness of the world and benefit all people.

Meanwhile, be assured that you are not alone and the rest of the world joins in your struggle. Most of all, take care of your heart. Do not be afraid to go deeper into yourself.

Meditate, pray, have strength and resolve. This too will pass. Have faith that the future will be brighter, and that people will come together in a new, enlightened way.

19 thoughts on “Our Emotions on a Roller Coaster”

  1. this is a wonderfully written post Diane.
    it seems to me it’s all about coping skills. or whatever we do that mentally gets us through anything.
    there are people in our society now… possibly even generations who have never had to cope with an all encompassing calamity in their lives.
    whether through natural disasters or life and death disease or even theft of their belongings and other crimes.
    suddenly they are now being forced to cope. and there seems to be no help for them. they’re afraid and bored.
    I too have always meditated which does help.
    and I loved your paragraph… ” I have experienced many benefits from meditation and continue to meditate to this day. I do not belong to a traditional religion, but I do believe in a Higher Power and I do pray. Whatever your beliefs, meditating and praying during this time of uncertainty and distress, will give you comfort and reassurance and calm your emotions. I believe also that meditation and prayer help to raise the consciousness of the world and benefit all people. ”
    and because I tend to be introverted… it has actually been refreshing to me to simply stay home and keep to my own self. I discovered Henry David Thoreau when I was 16. and he was a blessing to me! no amount of video games… violent or not… can replace such calming wisdom for facing life’s challenges.
    my heart goes out to them. it surely can’t be easy being young right now. (sorry. another overly long comment!)

    1. Thanks for being my ‘cheering section’ tammy j! As you might imagine, I too, am feeling the effects of the calamitous situation we are in. So it’s difficult to come up with something that is at least a little inspiring and helpful. I’m glad that you got something out of this post, and I thank you for reading. I loved Thoreau, and believe that he was ahead of his time!

  2. I do not consult news media. Every morning I check the pandemic data in my municipality, in my province, in my country, and globally. This data has no headlines, no interpretations, other than what I choose to assign it. This data is necessary to make survival decisions on the domestic level.
    My anaphylaxis long ago required me to cope with restrictions and isolation, and the knowledge that sudden death was possible at any time. I’ve lived with that for over 35 years, and the skills are steamlined, I don’t have to think about how to cope with the pandemic, other than the details of survival, which evolve constantly, so the data must be consulted.
    Other than that, I feel sorrow that the rest of the world is suffering, and disgust with those who fail to respect the health and welfare of others. And I feel less alone, with so many others now facing the possibility of random events causing bodily harm.
    So that is just me. Stay safe!

    1. I have followed your blog for years, and have always admired how you have faced your health condition and learned how to cope. The ‘random events’ that pop up constantly put us on edge, and make us worry about our safety. We are currently living through the worst air quality we have experienced, due to the fires along the Oregon coast. Very worrisome to two members of my family who have asthma.

      1. The fire situation in Oregon, and other areas of the western seaboard in the USA, is very concerning. I have seen pictures taken by residents in Oregon, truly horifying. The air quality is worrisome, wishing good health to your family members with asthma!

  3. I find laughter helpful. Also, in terms of “meditation” I appreciate the teaching of Charlotte Joko Beck. In particular her first book, Everyday Zen: Love and Work. I’ve recently returned to reading it. Each person has their own way of coping. Whatever it is for you I wish you well. Thank you.

    1. Thanks, Anon. I’m laughing as I read your post, since I was just thinking this morning, that I haven’t laughed out loud for a while! (LOL) I haven’t read Charlotte Beck, but will look it up.

  4. I think my husband and I are handling things pretty well. We don’t meditate but we do exercise and try to eat healthily. We’ve gotten out and socialized a bit more but always in a safe manner. I look at this summer as “lost” much like how I’d feel if I was dealing with a sickness that kept me home bound. Winter might be easier just because there are fewer “normal” opportunities to miss. The hardest thing for me is not knowing how long this virus will threaten us.

    1. Hi Janis. I think many people consider the uncertainty of an end to this epidemic to be the hardest thing. No one seems to know, and the authorities in Health and Government don’t hesitate to give us their most discouraging prognosis—the last calculation I hear (Dr. Tam, I think), was ‘end of 2021’! We all have our own private ideas about this, and maybe some of us are unrealistically optimistic! But we are human, and being hopeful is ‘built-in’, I think.

  5. Thank you for this thoughtful post which comes when so many of us have ‘pandemic fatigue’. I don’t practise meditation but do adhere to the public health advice, exercise, eat sensibly, and practise staying positive. I try to maintain mental health with the mantra “We will get through this” which I cite whenever anxiety or uncertainty creep in to spoil my day.

    1. I do that as well, Jeanette. It is human to be optimistic—otherwise, we would have given up centuries ago! I am inspired by the memory of my mother, who grew up motherless during the depression, when everything seemed hopeless. She survived to become the much adored mother of seven children, who loved her passionately. It is love, after all, that keeps us in this game. Thank you for your thoughts…and thank you for reading.

  6. You’re right, this year is a threat to mental health, and more than ever we need ways to keep safe. Like you, I meditate daily —I’d forgotten that it was such a counter-culture thing when I learned how in the 70s. Now that the medical benefits are known, it’s mainstream. I love it. I also limit and control the way I get news. I’m more selective, and I also find myself reading light novels and watching light TV on Netflix, blocking out the hard stuff while we tough this one out. Thank you for your thoughtful writing.

    1. Yes, Rachel, now is not the time to read “Crime and Punishment”, or novels of the same ilk! We need to treat our inner selves with consideration and forgiveness. I hope I’m not beating the drum about meditation too much—there are many other pathways to self-care. I respect all healthy measures that heal and maintain mental health.

      1. We do indeed need extra compassion now. I understand your reluctance about beating the drum but they’re not consecutive posts and it’s worth reminding people about this so simple and completely free tool at their fingertips — don’t hold back!

  7. You’re addressing an important issue, but I disagree with “Some take it in stride, unquestioningly following the dictates of the authorities, complying with the rules and controlling their emotions. They seem secure in the belief that if they do everything right they will not become ill, and one day they will once more ‘go back to normal.’ ” I don’t believe I will necessarily avoid becoming ill, and I don’t believe everything will ever go “back to normal.” I was lucky enough to go through an existential crisis starting when I was 10, so one of my main jobs as a teen was to build a solid foundation for myself. It was based on how to live in an uncertain world and to focus on things that were under my control, mainly living my values and reacting wisely. I agree with James Stockdale that being too optimistic is dangerous. He endured 7.5 years in the Hanoi Hilton and in an interview said the people who didn’t make it were the overly optimistic ones, “those who believed ‘we’re going to be out by Christmas.’ And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say, ‘We’re going to be out by Easter.’ And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.’ ”

    No, I believe we need to develop our patience and resilience, and that does mean going deeper into ourselves. For me it was a blessing.

    Take care!

    1. I’m glad you underwent a life-changing experience when you were so young. It takes some of us an entire lifetime to reach a state of enlightenment! Thanks for your comment, Monk.

  8. I have been meditating every day without fail since 1978. I am convinced that my present mental condition is due entirely to that practice. I have been able to manage and cope with my physical limitations due to my practice of meditation.

    1. You have been blessed, Rummuser! In India, I think meditation has been an accepted practice for many, many years. Not so in my part of the world! I was introduced to it by my step-son, who was a counter-culture rebel during the early 1970s. I had just begun my career as a teacher, and conscious of conforming to the ‘rules’. Meditation was beginning to cause a ‘buzz’—celebrities like John Lennon were discussing it, and many people were fascinated with it. The practice was shrouded in mystery, and if you wanted to begin, you had to take ‘the training’. I paid $70 for a couple of sessions, but couldn’t tell anyone in my social or professional circle about it—it was considered ‘subversive’! Looking back, it is hard to believe! Thanks for reading, and for your comment!

  9. Direct meditation has never been an activity in which I’ve engaged, though when I was much younger had it been prevalent I might well have explored doing so. I was pleasantly surprised at the benefits of yoga when I was pregnant with my second child. Wish I had kept up that practice. I have derived a great deal of satisfaction from the calm and quiet of using relaxation exercises. Varying types of music depending on my need and mood, generally instrumental vs vocal, has not failed to transport me to a different dimension when needed most of my life.

    I’ve been quite comfortable through these unusual months, setting my personal safety guidelines, determining how I spend my time, even through some challenging medical problems with only myself to lean on. The experiences of my life have contributed to how I’ve come to my unstressed state i’m sure. For some years I’ve been pretty much in a “what is, is” mind-state with a clearer idea of differentiating between what I can control and what not — though I’m not sure we really ever control anything, but that’s another topic. For one thing, there is only me for whom I am responsible now which I think may have some bearing on how I experience life now. I’m very concerned about our country but recognize worry solves nothing. I’m able to be calm and content in the moment for now, despite all, but who’s to say what tomorrow may bring so meditation can always be one more technique to keep in reserve for possible use.

Comments are closed.

© 2024 Diane Dahli All Rights Reserved | WordPress site by Quadra Street Designs