What’s the difference between emotions and feelings?

Let’s jump right into it!

Emotions are energy in motion.

Feelings are the words or descriptors for the experience we are having.

In other words, emotions are the sensations and the experience we have in our bodies, usually occurring first and rather quickly. Feelings are how we then make meaning of these sensations after.

Let’s look at an example to better understand the difference:

I invite you to thing of an event that happened recently in your life, maybe you experienced a break up, have a work conflict, noticed some anxiety-whatever it may be. The experience of sweaty palms, your stomach turning, heart palpitations, a lump in your throat, etc. is what we would identify as the emotions you are experiencing. If you then say, “I feel sad, angry, worried, excited, etc.” then that is the feeling. The feeling is how we are able to make meaning of the emotion we are experiencing in any given situation.

Why is it important to differentiate between the two?

I truly believe that knowledge and awareness is power - once we become aware of and understand something, we are then able to gain a sense of control and decide if we want to take action.

Many of us experience somatic (body based) symptoms yet struggle to understand or gain answers on what is occurring. I see this a lot with people who experience gut issues, have chronic health issues and generally feel disconnected to their bodies. Often times these symptoms are masks for underlying trauma and trapped emotions (emotions live in our bodies) yet since so few of us are ever taught how to listen to, identify or even talk about our emotions, we tend to struggle to identify that that may be the underlying cause.

That is why, once we are able to understand that emotions are in fact, energy in motion, we are able to regain a sense of power and understanding to find the tools and support to move these sensations. Or, if we notice there are feelings that are coming up for us, in being able to identify the difference we can then name and externalize these (which can also be incredibly healing and another form of release).

Ultimately, being able to distinguish between the two allows us to then seek tools and support to address the root cause of what we are experiencing and see progress on our healing journey.