Undesirable emotions as catalysts

Catalyst a figurative definition: A Person or thing that precipitates an event.

I’m a firm believer that anything that happens in my life is there for a reason. I’ve also
noticed that many things that happen to me eventually precipitate some sort of action. This seems particularly true when what is happening involves what I would call an undesirable emotion such as anger or being judgemental.

In other words, undesirable emotions are catalysts for activity. I know that it doesn’t always initially seem that way but when I step back from the situation and with a bit patience, the catalectic action becomes obvious to me. Eventually I will get off my duff and do something that changes the emotion.

Here is my (incomplete) list of some undesirable emotions and their catalytic result.

• Gilt doesn’t bring something back, but it is a catalyst to move on.
• Anger creates imbalance, but it is a catalyst to get you off your duff.
• Apathy creates nothing, but it is a catalyst to regroup.
• Preaching is not really followed, but it is a catalyst to tune up your beliefs.
• Judgement creates separation, but it is a catalyst for better understanding.
• Stealing creates poverty, but it is a catalyst to understand responsibility.

Does this mean that undesirable emotions are good? I don’t think so. However, it seems that they are a universal tool that helps push us on a more productive path. The key is to cultivate harmony and not to get use to undesirable emotions. After all, fulfillment and happiness certainly are lots more fun! :-)

Undesirable emotions however, eventually create balance. The amount of time it takes is a free will choice.

What do you think?

Sam