Don’t believe all your emotions

A brief thought, a memory, an encounter, a sound, a scent—and suddenly anger, fear, or sadness feel so strong, as if they were the whole truth about the situation.

In yoga philosophy, there is a powerful reminder: not every emotion tells the truth. However, this doesn’t mean we should suppress or ignore them. On the contrary—it is important to notice emotions and give them space. They show us that something within us has been touched. At the same time, we can learn not to automatically believe that what we feel is the absolute truth about a situation.

Even though we often use “emotion” and “feeling” synonymously in everyday life, there is a difference:

Emotions are complex bodily responses to specific stimuli. They are often short-lived and can trigger physical reactions such as a racing heart or changes in breathing. Emotions are usually intense and have a specific cause (e.g., fear in response to a threat, joy about good news, sadness, helplessness, etc.).
Feelings are the subjective experiences that arise from these emotions. They tend to last longer and are usually less intense than emotions. Feelings can be composed of multiple emotions and are strongly shaped by personal experiences and individual interpretation.

What yoga can teach us about our emotions

In yoga practice, we remind ourselves: we are not our emotions. We are the quiet observer behind them. Emotions may be present—anger, sadness, joy, or fear—but they do not define who we are.

The body also plays an important role. Emotions often manifest as tension or blockages within the body. Through conscious movement, breathing, and asana practice, these tensions can often dissolve quickly.
And often, the emotional story we tell ourselves about a situation begins to change as well.

Yoga invites us to meet our emotions with mindfulness: to feel them, give them space, and at the same time take a step back internally. This creates a sense of calm—and the experience that emotions can come and go without controlling us. Perhaps that is one of the most beautiful effects of yoga: we learn to become aware of our emotions—without believing everything they tell us.

What happens when you begin to see yourself as the observer of your emotions and feelings?

Our emotions can be intense, they can move us, and sometimes even overwhelm us — but they are temporary. This description becomes even more fitting when we know that the word “emotion” comes from the Latin emovere, meaning “to move out” or “to set in motion.” In other words, we move out of a usual state of mind.

In yoga, the mind is often compared to an ocean. Thoughts and emotions are like waves: they rise, move, and pass on. When we learn to observe these waves instead of being carried away by them, a valuable space arises between stimulus and response.

The Indian yoga philosopher Patanjali aptly describes it as follows: