Passion vs. Emotion

Scott Schwab:
I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between these two words and the meaning that they have. In general, I think there are many examples that could fall under both. However, when taking a deeper look into what the words mean and how they dictate our actions; a separation emerges.

Passion-
any state of the mind in which it is affected by something external, such as perception, desire, etc, as contrasted with action

Emotion-
a conscious mental reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body

We can all make our own conclusions about the differences with these definitions. However, we have all seen the difference of living life passionately and living life emotionally. From a decision making process, it is rarely good to make a decision based on emotions. In business, it is best when emotions are kept out of the equation. However, having a passion, is a state of mind that one arrives at, and one can make a decision free of emotion.

Maslows Hierarchy of needs states that the highest level of obtainment is that of "self actualization", or actually a state of mind. Whereas emotions could be categorized in the area of "love/belonging" within the hierarchy. The difference is the Ascension. If we remain in life fixated on emotions and stuck in emotions. We find ourselves in an area where feeling is most important, and being ceases to be our goal. Don't get me wrong, feeling is essential, but being and becoming is our ultimate goal.

My personal opinion is you need emotions to arrive at passion. Based on the perception of what is important, self actualization can only be obtained by knowing self and being true to self. Furthermore, arriving at the place where you do not judge others and accept facts (free from a victim mentality), we win in life and separate ourselves from the mediocrity being prisoners to our emotions.

The danger of living for emotions or living within emotions; is most inherently exhibited in decision making. Being emotional is not a bad thing. Showing your true emotions is actually a sign of being connected with your inner self and is healthy. When we live our lives centered around emotions, all too often emotions are dictated by experiences and/or conditions. Living by emotions or in emotions will cause a swing back and forth throughout a day of multiple experiences that can bring anger, fear, love, grief, etc.

We must live our life with passion, but avoid emotional responses. Living with passion will portray certain emotions, but passion is control of those emotions so they don't overflow into reactions of the conditions in our world. Find your life by being connected to your emotions, but live your life passionately by controlling your emotions.