Many people have been taught to fear, deny, repress or avoid their emotions.  They can be seen as a sign of a weak, undisciplined or dramatic character and the enemy of logic and reason.  If you show your emotions, you can be accused of disrupting those around you and provoking unwanted attention.  This may be the view of the older generations, but fortunately these days we have been able to understand the great power that emotions hold.  Emotions hold great wisdom if we are willing to listen closely.  They can show us what we need to do next to learn and grow and gain more confidence along the healing pathway. Being able to recognize and care for our emotions is an essential skill to learn on the Addiction Healing Pathway.  It is a foundation stone of self-compassion, and a tool that will help you walk the path more consciously and calmly.  Here's how to understand what your emotions are telling you.