Recognizing and understanding emotions can be a difficult process for many people. This is because emotions are often subtle, hiding out in the deep subconscious of the mind. Although negative emotions can be difficult to spot, they can affect our lives drastic ways. An intimate understanding of our own minds is probably the most important thing a person can achieve, yet it is a skill often neglected in the society and culture we live in. This is not a guide to help you deal with your negative emotions, but rather a guide to help you recognize and define them, which is always the first step in letting them go. The ideas in this article were influenced by Dr. David R. Hawkins, the author of Letting Go and expert on consciousness research.

Pride: Pride is an emotion that is used to protect our egos. Pride always wants to be right, perfect, and powerful. It can be expressed by the statement “my way is the best way.” Pride cares too much about the opinions of others and is obsessed with winning, achieving success, and attaining fame.

Anger: Anger has a short fuse. It can get irritable, resentful, and aggressive at even the slightest of wrongs. It is difficult to think clearly when in a fit of anger.

Desire: The emotion of always wanting more. It is never satisfied. When we desire, we are always lacking something and believe we will never be happy until we get it. As soon as we get what we desire, then we desire something else.

Fear: Fear is the basis for much anxiety and worry. When we fear losing something, we get possessive, jealous, and insecure. Fear sees danger looking around every corner. Fear is an obstacle to achieving the things we want in life.

Grief: The emotion of loss and sadness. Grief often contains regret and the thought “if only I had done this or that.” Grief can lead to hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt.

Apathy: This emotion says “nothing matters anyway, so why even try?” Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh is the perfect example of someone who is apathetic. These people tend to drain the life and joy out of others. People in poverty will often remain in poverty if they have the emotion of apathy.

Guilt: Self-blame, self-rejection, and self-punishment. Guilt says “it is all my fault” and “I am a terrible person.” People with guilt become consumed by their mistakes and can’t stop living in the past.

Shame: Humiliation at the wrong done to you by others or by yourself. People with shame believe that others are hyper-focused on their faults or mistakes. It may be difficult to make eye contact with others.