Emotion Quote by John Ortberg
““Your soul is not the same thing as your emotions. We live in a world where we’re encouraged to think that our feelings dominate our lives and that we are powerless over them. But even contemporary research indicates the power God has placed in the soul to be master of our emotions. In one study, researchers presented subjects with pictures of angry faces. Half of the participants were told simply to observe the faces. The other half were instructed to label the emotion on each face. The simple act of labeling the emotion reduced its emotional impact on their own moods. It also reduced the activation of the brain region associated with strong primitive emotion.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Soul Care by John Ortberg, 2015
Labeling emotions creates distance, reducing their power and helping us regulate feelings.
In simple terms: Naming feelings weakens them.
Key Takeaway
Practice naming emotions to gain control.
Themes
emotional regulation
mindfulness
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
calm
inquisitive
Type
self‑help
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- stressful meetings
- conflict resolution
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cognitive labeling
neurobiology
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling affect your own mood?
- When can you apply this technique?
A Different Perspective
May not work for all emotions or individuals.
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