Here we go!

No place to start, but at the beginning.

What is an emotion?  Well, there's no easy, agreed-upon answer to that question.  I think the best definition would be something along the lines of, "an emotion is the chemical (hormonal) response that the body has to an emotion-causing event."

I believe there are two options for dealing with emotions:  We can express them or we can repress them.  

Expression of emotion is an action that requires the feeling and releasing of emotional energy.  The word "expression" has become a little problematic because many people believe they are expressing their emotions when they talk about their emotions.  If you are talking about your emotions, you are probably not expressing them because expression usually prevents talking.  If you are filled with anger or shaking with fear, then you are feeling your emotions.  If you move from there to crying, for example, then you are expressing, because crying releases the energy of emotion.

Repression of emotion happens when we do not express the energy of emotion.  I believe that energy is then stored at different locations in the body and is a very large cause of disease.*  There are many reasons for, and ways to, repress emotion.  I intend to speak about these at great length, in due time.

To recap, emotion is a chemical that can either be released through expression or stored through repression.  If you did nothing else in relation to emotions other than understand that last sentence, you would be well on your way to emotional health because that sentence gives you the tools to begin the journey to emotional well-being.  So I should say it again:

Emotion is a chemical that can either be released through expression or stored through repression.

We'll be coming back to that sentence. 



* I have read no studies about what happens to the energy of emotion when it is repressed.  I think an understanding of this process could revolutionize the understanding of disease.  If you ever come across any information on this topic, please, please make me aware of it.  I will be eternally grateful to you.