Feeling Has a Function
Emotions are not obstacles to a well-functioning life. They are the primary navigation system — the mechanism by which the self orients to its environment, registers what matters, and knows what needs attention.
Emotions are not obstacles to a well-functioning life. They are the primary navigation system — the mechanism by which the self orients to its environment, registers what matters, and knows what needs attention.
“Feeling has a function in life. It helps us to orient ourselves.” — Philippe Jacquet
What each emotion is telling you
Fear signals that danger is present. A person without fear walks into traffic.
Anger marks the boundary of the self — this far, no further. Without access to healthy anger, there are no real boundaries.
Sadness tells you that you cannot do this alone. That you need other people. Tears are not failure — they are a signal that contact is needed.
When the navigation system is disabled
Addiction, eating disorders, rigid persona, compulsive behaviour — these are all mechanisms for disabling the navigation system. Therapy restores it — not by producing more feeling, but by helping the person tolerate, understand, and use the feeling they already have.
Book a consultation with Philippe Jacquet — psychotherapist and Jungian analyst, London.