We live in a time where contemporary music often equates emotions to an illness — something you can catch like a virus. The fear of “catching feels”implies that experiencing deep emotions is somehow harmful to our mental well-being. Or at least, that’s how I’ve come to interpret it.
But how did we get here? And how does this mindset shape our relationship with our emotions?
A major culprit is the rise of technology and social media, which have reinforced the illusion that love, acceptance, and happiness exist outside of ourselves. We chase validation in the form of likes, comments, and curated perfection, believing that our worth is determined by external approval. Platforms like Instagram thrive on this dopamine-driven cycle — convincing us that we must present an idealized version of ourselves to be seen, admired, and valued. Yet, the more we seek this kind of validation, the more disconnected and dissatisfied we become.
Why? Because we aren’t being truly authentic.
We manipulate our images with filters, perfect lighting, and strategic angles, constructing a reality that isn’t real. In doing so, we hand over our self-worth to an audience whose approval dictates how we feel about ourselves. The further we stray from our truth, the harder it becomes to sit with our emotions. Instead, we distract ourselves — scrolling endlessly, filling every quiet moment with entertainment, overworking, or seeking constant social interaction. The idea of being alone with our thoughts feels unsettling, even terrifying. And when those suppressed emotions surface, we numb them with more distractions, perpetuating an endless cycle.
But what if, instead of running, we simply paused?
What if, rather than drowning out our emotions, we sat with them, fully, without judgment?
Try it. Observe what arises. Instead of instinctively reaching for your phone or finding another way to escape, let the discomfort settle. Your feelings are not your enemy; they are messages, guiding you toward deeper self-awareness. They are your inner self saying, “I’m here. Thank you for noticing me.” And when you acknowledge them, they pass. They don’t destroy you — the resistance to feeling them does.
So take a moment to investigate. What triggered these emotions? Where are they coming from? The more you explore your inner world, the more connected you become — to yourself, to others, and to life itself.
Maybe, just maybe, sitting with your emotions isn’t as scary as it seems.