Emotional Inf lexibility 117
Earlier, we described repetitive negative thinking, such
as worry and rumination, which can lead to increases in
anxiety, depression, and other negative mind- sets. Consider
what happens when people worry frequently and uncontrol-
lably about future occurrences: they are experiencing emo-
tions that aren’t appropriate to whatever is going on around
them. They are feeling, under nonthreatening circum-
stances, the distress that would befit a worst- case scenario.
This is why habitual worriers are often portrayed as dis-
tracted people who are too lost in their own thoughts to
enjoy the company of others or to appreciate the small things
in life (think of Woody Allen’s neurotic persona in cinema).
As you can see, inf lexibility can result in some unfortunate
consequences.
Responding to and Managing
Your Emotions
We have seen what inf lexibility looks like, but what might
emotional f lexibility entail? Well, for one thing, it requires
more than attempts to exude positivity at all times.
Sometimes emotions many people consider ugly and unpro-
ductive have a function. W hen anger is directed in the right
way and in the right context, it can become a statement
against injustice. Consider the causes for which activists
fight and how they channel frustration into progress.
Therefore, it’s important that you be able to adapt your emo-
tions to your current situation.
W hen it comes to fear and anxiety, try to remember that
these are often future- oriented emotions. The pounding
heart, the hypervigilant mind— they manifest in response