If we felt quite as poignantly for others as we do for ourselves, there would be no supporting life. Distress tolerance refers to an individual’s ability to regulate one’s emotions during a stressful event. Not everyone shares your passion for dead leaves. A man without sensibility exhibits no sign of a soul. People who struggle with distress tolerance are more likely trying to avoid unpleasant goals and values when they are distressed. Painful emotions, such as fear, can lead to impulsive decisions, self-harm, and aggression. Nothing renders the soul so callous and insensible as the searing brands of infamy and disgrace. People who are more prone to distress appear to have brain activity different from that of people who are less prone to it. The amygdala is the part of the brain that is most related to emotion processing and the fear response. This structure seems to be more active in some than others. The senses, no less than the soul, have their spiritual mysteries to reveal. In fact, by studying an individual’s amygdala activity levels, scientists are able to predict the likelihood of that individual’s development of anxiety and depression disorders as far as four years in advance.

The man who has ceased to respect himself must look for no respect from others. Sometimes we all momentarily experience the seductive allure of the dark side: the feeling of anger and invincibility. However, as God’s people, we value mercy and impulse control. Effective mental treatment is propelled by a consciousness of love and a realization that the creative spirit is always at work. Mental or spiritual treatment should bring into actual manifestation the healthy and happiness which are humankind’s normal and divine heritage. The emancipation of the mind from every bondage will allow your heart to beat with joy and gladness.  Relaxation techniques that incorporate mindful breathing can reduce the physical sensations associated with a variety of negative emotions, including anxiety, tension, and anger, helping people to regulate those emotions. By using these techniques one can regulate their emotions and regain enough focus to remember your personal priorities. Ultimately, it is your connection with your values that allows you to regulate your emotions over some excruciating loss in order to avoid giving in to temptation and acting impulsively. This will allow one to control their emotions, instead of being controlled by them.

Though the Scriptures obliges me to remain contented, it does not enjoin me to shut my eyes to my own merit, nor restrain me from seeing when I am injured by an unjust comparison. A person’s values and ability to tolerate distress and uncertainty can play a role in whether than individual can be manipulated. In certain circumstances, people who are normally fundamentally good can commit thoughtless or even cruel acts. When people are influenced by an authority figure, they are more likely to commit an act that goes against their moral values than they would be otherwise. Sometimes an authority figure might offer someone a cash incentive to manipulate the emotions of another person because when a person is upset, he or she is more likely susceptible to a suggested behavior. When a person believes that he or she can avoid a negative emotion, one is more likely to take the action to reduce the chance of distress. So if you suspect someone you are in a relationship with is manipulating you for financial gain or status, you would break up with them. You might be wondering, why would someone manipulate a loved one, for an authority figure, for money? What about the safety of the person they love? Well, the economy is bad, a lot of people are not making enough money. They think they know their spouse well enough to know that they will not harm themselves. However, the authority figure knows that when individuals lose their identity, they are more likely to at in accordance with their assigned role.

Experiments like the MKUltra project is a mind control program. The program is illegal and some sectors of the government experiment on humans by torturing them in order to weaken the individual. The program began in the 1950s, and engaged in many illegal activities. The purpose was to use numerous methodologies to manipulate a person’s mental states and alter brain functions, including the administration of drugs and other chemicals, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, isolation, verbal and sexual abuse, as well as various forms of torture. The goals of the experiment were to introduce substances which will promote illogical thinking and impulsiveness to the point where the test subject would be discredited in public. Administer substances which will increase the efficiency of mentation and perception. They would sometime give test subjects materials which would cause the victim to age faster or slower in maturity, and promote the intoxicating effects of alcohol. They would also try to weaken people, make them dependent on others, and cause amnesia. The best way to reduce unwanted influences is to be mindful analyze the consequences, and take responsibility for one’s actions, rather than blindly following authority, and remain true to your values. Even when you are not completely able to control your environment or the people around you, remind yourself of your loving and protective parents. It is not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. When nature biddeth thee to be good and gentle to others, she commands thee not to be cruel and ungentle to thyself. Love is a union of loveliness with truth.