The word emotion comes from the Latin emovere, meaning “to move out.” This ancient root reveals a profound truth about our feelings: emotions are dynamic, urging us to move—either by flowing out of our bodies or by spurring us to take action. Two fascinating perspectives, rooted in science and human experience, show how emotions live up to this idea of “moving out.” One is the 90-second rule, which describes emotions as fleeting chemical waves that pass through us. The other sees emotions as messengers, signaling when it’s time to move out into the world and act. Let’s explore these dual meanings and how they can transform the way we navigate our feelings.

The 90-Second Rule: Emotions Moving Out of the Body

Neuroscientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s 90-second rule offers a groundbreaking view of emotions as temporary physical events. When you feel a surge of anger, joy, or anxiety, your brain triggers a chemical response—think adrenaline or cortisol—that creates sensations like a pounding heart or sweaty palms. According to Taylor, these chemicals take about 90 seconds to flush out of your nervous system. If you don’t fuel the emotion with repetitive thoughts, it naturally “moves out,” like a wave cresting and receding.

This perspective is liberating. That knot in your stomach from a stressful moment? It’s just a 90-second visitor, not a permanent resident. By observing the feeling without clinging to the story behind it, you allow it to pass. Imagine standing still as a gust of wind blows through—you don’t chase it or fight it; you let it move on. This understanding can help us release emotions rather than letting them linger, fostering clarity and calm in our daily lives.

Emotions as Messengers: Moving Out to Act

But emotions don’t just move out of our bodies—they also move us outward, into the world. In this second sense, emotions act as messengers, delivering urgent signals about what matters to us. When you feel a pang of sadness, it might be telling you to reach out to a loved one. A spark of excitement could nudge you toward a new opportunity. Anger might shout that an injustice has occurred, urging you to stand up for yourself or others. Here, emovere’s “move out” becomes a call to action, pushing you to step into the world and respond.

Think of emotions as your inner compass. That flutter of fear before a big decision might be warning you to pause and reflect, while a burst of passion could be the green light to pursue a dream. By listening to these messages, you align your actions with your values and needs. Ignoring them, on the other hand, can leave you stuck—disconnected from what drives you. When emotions say, “It’s time to move out,” they’re inviting you to act with thoughtful purpose, whether that’s having a tough conversation, chasing a goal, or making a change.

Embracing the Dual Nature of Emotion

These two perspectives—emotions as fleeting waves and as motivating messengers—aren’t at odds; they complement each other. The 90-second rule empowers you to let go of emotions that don’t serve you, clearing the fog so you can hear the messages that do. For example, if you’re upset after an argument, you can wait out the 90-second chemical surge, then tune into what your anger is signaling—maybe it’s time to set a boundary or express your needs. By combining these approaches, you gain both emotional freedom and direction.

Here’s how to put this dual understanding into practice:

• Pause and Observe: When an emotion hits, take a deep breath and notice the physical sensations. Count to 90 seconds, letting the chemical wave pass without feeding it with thoughts. This helps you stay grounded.
• Listen to the Message: Once the intensity fades, ask, “What is this emotion telling me?” Is your sadness asking for connection? Is your excitement pointing to a new path? Identify the action it’s nudging you toward.
• Move Out with Intention: Act on the message when it feels right. This could mean journaling to process grief, speaking up about an injustice, or taking a bold step toward a goal. Let your emotions guide you without overwhelming you.

The Power of Moving Out

The beauty of emovere lies in its double meaning. Emotions move out of us, fleeting and temporary, reminding us we don’t have to be ruled by every feeling. At the same time, they move us out into the world, acting as signals that guide our choices and actions. By honoring both sides, we can navigate life with greater ease and purpose.

Next time you feel a rush of emotion, remember: it’s a wave that will pass in 90 seconds, but it’s also a messenger with something to say. Let it flow, listen to its call, and decide how you’ll move out—whether that’s releasing what doesn’t serve you or stepping boldly into what does. Emotions aren’t just feelings; they’re invitations to live fully.

How will you let your emotions move you today?

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