Hooked on a Feeling

Many people probably can’t remember that song from the 70’s. I know I’m dating myself. I’m actually “hooked” on what it means to be hooked into a particular feeling state: hooked on a feeling. I was recently in a conversation with friends who spoke about obsessing over some situation. It reminded me that humans are the only creatures on earth who “have feelings about their feelings.”

So how can we learn to “unhook”?

If every feeling is contained in the neurochemistry of the body, then perhaps the key is in the movement of the body itself. In a NY Times article, a choreographer asked, “Does the body think?” The question I ask myself is where else do people think thoughts or emotions come from if not the body?

Four components of action

Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais defined four components of action that are always going on in us: thinking, feeling, sensing and movement. You can’t do one without the other. If I can develop awareness of what’s taking place when I find myself hooked, perhaps simply changing how I move can re-organize my feelings.

I know, easier said than done, but I hope if I keep practicing, someday I’ll be able to be aware of both my emotions and my thoughts after I accidentally pour the coffee grounds into my cup of milk instead of the filter!