The Plunge: Perception and Emotion
Emotions and the stories we tell ourselves. Change the story, change the emotion.
Welcome to The Plunge, your daily dive into Christian Wellness. Today, we’re discussing the influence of perception over emotion.
Your perspective on events shapes your feelings and health. Same event, different reactions. It’s all about the internal narrative. Understand this; you can control your emotions, build resilience, and improve your health.
The condition of our heart shapes our perceptions. Hence the psalmist's prayer: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." —Psalm 51:10
Renew your heart. Transform your spirit. Align your emotions with God’s truth. Improve your health.
Perception Shapes Emotion: How you see events affects your emotions. Negative views, negative emotions. Positive views, balanced emotions.
Narratives Influence Reactions: The stories you tell yourself shape your reactions. See a challenge as a threat, you get anxiety. See it as an opportunity, you get motivated.
Emotions and Health: Emotions impact physical health. Chronic stress and negative emotions raise cortisol and blood pressure, while positive emotions boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Cognitive Reframing: Change your thoughts about a situation to change your emotional response. Manage stress and build resilience.
Research says cognitive reframing reduces anxiety and depression1. Positive reinterpretation of stress improves emotional well-being and health2. Positive emotional states lower stress hormones and improve cardiovascular health3.
How can you improve your interpretations?
Identify Negative Narratives: Notice the stories you tell yourself. Find negative patterns.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Ask if your view is based on facts or assumptions. Look for evidence of a balanced view.
Practice Cognitive Reframing: Find positive or neutral interpretations. Instead of "I failed," think "I learned what doesn't work."
Use Scripture for Guidance: Use biblical truths in your narratives. Remember God’s promises.
Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or counselors to help reframe your thoughts.
Reflection Questions
How do I interpret challenges? Are my interpretations negative?
What negative narratives do I tell myself?
How can I reframe these to be more positive?
What biblical truths can I use to align my emotions with God’s will?
Practical Application
Daily Reflection: Reflect on the day’s events and your emotional responses. Reframe negative interpretations.
Scripture Affirmations: Use scripture-based affirmations to counter negative thoughts. For example, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. Identify areas for reframing.
When you understand the link between emotion and interpretation, you can begin to practice cognitive reframing and improve your emotional well-being and physical health.
Thank you for reading, and as always, in Christ, engage, adapt, and overcome.
Remy Sharpe
Beck, A. T. (2005). Cognitive Therapy for Challenging Problems: What to Do When the Basics Don't Work. Guilford Press.
Folkman, S., & Moskowitz, J. T. (2000). Positive affect and the other side of coping. American Psychologist, 55(6), 647-654.
Pressman, S. D., & Cohen, S. (2005). Does positive affect influence health? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 925-971.