I don’t trust my inner feelings, inner feelings come and go.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: When we speak about inner feelings, we're referring to those transient emotional states that can fluctuate wildly from moment to moment. These feelings, often shaped by external events or internal reflections, are not always reliable indicators of our true desires or intentions. The statement "I don't trust my inner feelings, inner feelings come and go" highlights a critical perspective on the reliability and stability of our emotional experiences.
Imagine you’re navigating through a dense forest, and your path is guided by the shifting light of the sun. At certain times, the light might be bright and clear, making it easy to see your way forward. At other times, clouds might obscure the sun, casting shadows that confuse your sense of direction. Similarly, our inner feelings are like that changing light—they can be bright and illuminating one moment, and dark and obscured the next. This variability makes them unreliable as a sole guide in our journey through life.
Inner feelings are often ephemeral and can be influenced by countless factors, such as our environment, recent experiences, or even our physical state. For example, you might feel elated after a compliment from a friend but later feel anxious due to a challenging task at work. These feelings are like waves on the surface of the ocean, constantly shifting and changing with the wind. Relying solely on these feelings could lead to decisions that are inconsistent and not truly reflective of your deeper, more stable values and goals.
To illustrate this further, consider the role of weather in our daily lives. If you base your plans solely on the weather for today, you might end up with an unpredictable experience. A sunny morning might lead to a perfect day at the beach, but a sudden storm could disrupt your plans entirely. Similarly, if you let your inner feelings dictate your actions without considering their transitory nature, you might find yourself making choices that are inconsistent with your long-term interests or principles.
A more reliable approach is to combine our inner feelings with rational thought and introspection. Just as you would check a weather forecast to get a broader understanding of the conditions you might face, you can use rational analysis to interpret your feelings. This doesn’t mean dismissing your emotions altogether but rather acknowledging that they are just one piece of the puzzle. By considering your long-term goals, values, and the broader context of your decisions, you can make choices that are more aligned with your true self.
Moreover, feelings often come with their own set of biases and distortions. For instance, when we are hungry or tired, our emotions can become more volatile, leading us to make decisions we might not consider when we are well-rested and nourished. Recognizing that feelings can be influenced by such factors helps us to understand why relying solely on them can be problematic.
In summary, while inner feelings provide valuable insight into our immediate emotional state, they are not always a dependable guide for making significant decisions. They are subject to change and can be influenced by a range of factors, making them less stable than other forms of guidance. By balancing emotional insights with rational thought and considering the broader context, we can navigate life more effectively and make decisions that are more consistent with our long-term goals and values.
Who said the quote?
The quote "I don't trust my inner feelings, inner feelings come and go." is often attributed to Leonard Cohen (Quotes). Leonard Cohen was a revered singer-songwriter known for his soulful and introspective music.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
