Part 1
Emotion- mental states brought on by neurophysiological changes, variously associated with thoughts, feelings, behavioral responses, and a degree of pleasure or displeasure. There is currently no scientific consensus on a definition. Emotions are often intertwined with mood, temperament, personality, disposition, or creativity.
Peace- freedom from disturbance; tranquility. mental calm; serenity.
I often recite this line in the code. It reminds me to be mindful of my feelings; to not allow my emotions to control me, to let go of them and react from a place of peace. But I feel this line in the code means so much more. It reminds us that we are to be mindful of others' emotions, not just our own. To not respond to anger with anger but with calm peace. We all have been in situations that if we would have just stepped back and taken a deep breath instead of lashing out things might have turned out different. If we have been there then others have too and we should be understanding of that, and be mindful of that when others emotions are turned on us.
I like to look at the code from two sides, internal and external. How I am bettered by the code and my understanding of it and what it teaches (internal) and how I externalize this understanding and put it into practice (external). The code isn't a one way street. It guides us and opens our perspective, changing our views and reactions to stimuli.
We as Jedi are not asked to be emotionless. We are taught to be mindful of our emotions. We should be open to fully exploring and feeling our emotions but after that we let them go and return to a place of peace and balance. It's not always easy to let go of anger, hate, fear and sadness. I ask you, do those emotions help you on your journey? Do they aid you and lift you up? Or do they drag you down? I often ask myself why we hold so strongly to these negative emotions at times. Hands tightly wrapped around them like we are afraid they will escape. I wonder if we just ask ourselves why it might help us acknowledge the truth. For each of us it's a different truth. You have to be willing to be honest with yourself.
I return to the first line of the code and what I feel is a foundation stone for this path. There is no Emotion, there is Peace. I encourage you to only act from a place of peace even if you have to step back first.
This is the first part in a series I plan on doing on the code.
