Physiology and Emotion

Experience is ongoing physiological change. Our heart rate and respiration may increase or decrease, our arteries may dilate or constrict, muscle contraction may be enhanced or inhibited and our visual, auditory, oral and olfactory senses may become more or less acute. These changes occur in various combinations and to varying degrees.

Emotion is awareness of changing physiological state. We are happy before we know it. Physiology precedes emotion.

 

<<