The joy of sadness.
While watching the movie Inside Out with my husband, we were fascinated by its portrayal of how our experiences shape our emotions right from the beginning of our lives. The film provided a profound exploration of the origin of each emotion and the factors contributing to their existence. A crucial moment in the film emphasized the significance of expressing emotions beyond the confines of one's home and its positive impact on the individual and those around them.
At the beginning of the film, we share how each emotion provides a purpose. Fear is essential in keeping us safe, while disgust aims to lower the risk of physical and social harm. Meanwhile, anger is deeply concerned with ensuring things are done correctly. Each emotion plays a role in shaping our reactions to different situations. However, in this movie, Joy, the first emotion to appear in Riley’s existence, met sadness thirty-three seconds later but stated that they didn’t know how sadness functioned in the character’s life. This is where problems arise when we believe the only emotion that should be expressed is joy, and there is no room for sadness, something I struggled with for a long time.
Are you finding it difficult to express your sadness, even though it's an important emotion for you? Do you tend to rely on feelings of joy in every situation while simultaneously carrying the weight of other aspects of your life where sadness could help you open up and be more vulnerable? We often think of sadness as destructive without realizing the strength it has to help us regulate our emotions. In turn, we implement it as a protective mechanism so people don’t truly recognize the elements of our other emotions impacting us on a deeper level.
In that moment, I contemplated joy's significance in our lives and how we often use it to conceal other essential emotions. In the movie, Joy is portrayed as the predominant emotion when Riley is born, leading her to believe that joy alone is necessary for a fulfilling life. Throughout both films, we witness Joy's relentless efforts to prioritize Riley's happiness, even at the expense of other equally essential emotions that deserve acknowledgment.
As we strive for happiness, we often overlook the significance of other emotions like fear, disgust, and sadness in shaping our experiences. One memorable scene from the movie was when Riley had to move to a new school because of her dad's job. Upon her arrival, the teacher asked her about her background, interests, and hobbies, showing genuine interest in getting to know her.
The departure from the usual behavior was significant, allowing her to show vulnerability. In that moment, as she reflected on her core memories, tears started to flow. I noticed the genuine concern and surprise on the students' faces as they realized she was feeling sad. Meanwhile, a flurry of other emotions ( fear, disgust, and joy) erupted as they grappled with how students would perceive her. Joy attempted to suppress sadness by asserting that there was no place for it at that moment, and the other emotions seemed to concur.
The trap of our emotions can make us believe that certain emotions are "bad" and others are "good." In reality, our emotions are complex and cannot be easily categorized as black or white. Our personal experiences influence how we perceive emotions, so sadness should not always be viewed as unfavorable, just as joy should not always be seen as positive.
It can be quite complex when we consider the cultural context of how emotions are perceived, especially when there's a societal expectation to keep our feelings private. However, I was moved by Riley's bold decision to openly display vulnerability. I couldn't help but feel that it was a rare moment. I am the kind of person who often keeps my feelings to myself, even though I am very emotional and sensitive, and can relate to other experiences. My husband and daughter can confirm that it's not uncommon for me to shed tears over something. I find that it's a natural and frequent occurrence for me because I feel comfortable expressing my emotions when I am with them. Their presence makes me feel safe and supported, allowing me to freely experience and release my emotions.
The film was a powerful lesson in the significance of handling emotions and communicating them in a thoughtful manner. It emphasized the notion that embracing and acknowledging sadness in our culture can result in improved assistance for individuals during their times of vulnerability, fostering an environment where they feel secure enough to openly share their feelings.
When analyzing the earlier post on intersectionality, it's essential to understand the profound impact of the messages you come across on shaping your emotional expression. This includes the pressure to always display joy and the misconception that showing sadness diminishes your strength. Your roles, genetics, and life experiences collectively influence the significance of your reactions – so deliberate before you respond.
