"Formation"....
A word that comes up in the catechism, a word that resonates with Catholics because it speaks well to our theology: embrace nature, only you must cultivate it by the grace of God, for God.
Take basic emotions like happiness, peace, sorrow, frustration, anger. For each, there is a sanctified version, glorious when redeemed by grace. For each, an ungodly fleshly version. If we're honest with ourselves, as works-in-progress, we experience a blend of both.
What does holy happiness, peace, sorrow, frustration, etc. look like?
How can we tell the difference?
When the matter is not as simple as "experience this emotion" and "don't experience that one," we come back to the Laochoön principle: we learn by imitation. We need good examples. We need to surround ourselves with things that promote a healthy and holy emotional life.
For the most part, I think we rely on a process of the Holy Spirit's guidance and trial by error. Over time, as St. Ignatius of Loyola discovered during his conversion, we discover that certain kinds of thrills are at the same time, mysteriously draining. We discover seeds of joy in unexpected places. As we stay the course and reevaluate, we come to learn in the long run what promotes emotional health, and what does not.
What books, music, people, experiences, hobbies, etc. promote vibrant, life-giving emotions in you?
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