"We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings." - Ovid

"The advantage of the emotions is that they lead us astray, and the advantage of science is that it is not emotional."
- Oscar Wilde

Happy. Joyful. Ecstatic. Sad. Depressed. Grief. Irritation. Anger. Rage. Contentment. Loneliness.

Emotions makes us human. Its what makes us different from machines. No combination of gas, electricity, carbon or liquid, can convey what, how or why we feel. How can one explain emotions? You might as well ask: What, how or why do we breathe air? Emotions are part of our senses; One cannot explain what, how or why we feel.

Our emotions come instinctively. We do not examine the situation, think through the various factors, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide on how we feel. We do not need justification for all our feelings. Material stuff do not always make us happy; In other words, retail therapy is not a definite cure for depression.

"But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at: I am not what I am."
- "Othello" by William Shakespeare

Emotions are intangible. They appear and vanish as quickly as summer showers. But despite the intangibility, they are beyond doubt, still there.

They can be hidden by a mask or an iron wall. Once emotions are out of the picture, efficiency is so much higher and you will get things done quicker. But there will always be a chink in the armor. The longer the iron wall is maintained, the bigger the chink will be. Once the weakness is exposed, a torrential flood of emotions can be released, often leaving you a broken person behind.

Emotions can also be displayed proudly. Liberating your emotions will be a freedom, compared to keeping them constantly under check. To show your true honest feelings will also strip away the false front you put on. People will finally recognize your true self. But it is also a sign of vulnerability, and a portent of pain and rejection to come.

"The sign of an intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the application of reason."
- Marya Mannes

So how does one express his/her emotions? Well, there is always a certain power with words. As you pen in your emotions, your words will convey your heart and feelings. To write with such sincerity and expression will instantly transport the reader to your world. The reader will smile as he/she shares your joy, weep as he/she shares your sorrow and pain, and outrage as he/she shares your troubles.

Music is another form of expression. To sing a happy song and to dance to a quick, delightful beat, expressing your exaltation in living and celebrating your joy. The audience will grin as they hear your melody and see your exuberance in your paces. Or to sing a mournful ballad and to dance with slow, sad strides, conveying your sense of grief and pain. Tears will flow freely as the audience listens to your lament and see your sorrow in your steps.

"Emotions have taught mankind to reason."
- Vauvenargues

Without emotions, we are nothing more than machines. Without emotions, our lives are a blank slate without color. Without emotions, we are fey.

With emotions, we are human.