- 5 min read

Moods | Understanding the Temporary Nature of Our Feelings

We all experience different moods—sometimes we feel energized, optimistic, and full of life, while at other times, we might feel low, irritable, or disconnected from those around us. Moods are a natural part of being human, and they can seem to come and go without warning. One moment we might be feeling on top of the world, and the next, we’re inexplicably weighed down by negativity. But what if these shifting emotional states weren’t something we needed to manage, fight, or fix?

Through the understanding of the Three Principles—Mind, Thought, and Consciousness—we learn that moods are not fixed, nor do they define us. They are simply the product of thought in the moment, and just like thoughts, moods naturally shift as our thinking changes. Understanding the temporary nature of moods can bring a profound sense of relief and peace. We no longer have to be controlled by our emotional ups and downs, nor do we need to take them so personally. Instead, we begin to see moods for what they are—passing reflections of our current state of mind.

Thought and Moods

Moods arise from the thoughts we are entertaining at any given time. The thoughts we hold in the moment shape our emotional experience, whether we are conscious of them or not. When we’re caught up in insecure or negative thinking, our mood often reflects those thoughts. We might feel anxious, frustrated, or sad, even though nothing in our external environment has changed. This happens because our moods are not determined by external circumstances—they are created by the thoughts we have about those circumstances.

Conversely, when we experience more positive or neutral thinking, our mood lifts. We feel lighter, more capable, and more at ease. But it’s important to realize that both positive and negative moods are temporary—neither one is a true reflection of who we are, but rather a reflection of the thoughts we are having in the moment. Just as our thoughts are fluid and ever-changing, so too are our moods.

The key to navigating moods is not to analyze or fix them, but to recognize that they are fleeting. Our feelings of joy, sadness, anger, or peace are all created by thought, and as our thinking shifts, so do our moods. This realization gives us the freedom to let moods pass without getting overly attached to them.

Why Do Moods Feel So Powerful?

Moods can feel incredibly powerful, sometimes taking over our entire perception of life. When we’re in a low mood, it can seem as though everything is going wrong and that there’s no way out of the emotional fog. This happens because, in the moment, the thoughts creating our mood feel real. Our mind offers up stories and interpretations that make the mood seem solid and unchangeable.

For instance, when we’re in a bad mood, we might think, “This day is ruined,” or “I’m always this way.” These thoughts fuel the mood, making it feel more permanent than it actually is. In contrast, when we’re in a good mood, our thoughts may sound like, “Everything’s going great” or “I’ve got this.” The difference between a good mood and a bad mood isn’t the external circumstances—it’s the thoughts we entertain in those moments.

Understanding that our moods are generated by thought helps us see that we don’t need to take them so seriously. Just because a thought feels real in the moment doesn’t mean it’s an accurate reflection of reality. When we recognize that our moods are thought-created, we stop giving them so much power over how we experience life. We realize that just as quickly as a mood can appear, it can also disappear.

Consciousness: Awareness of Mood

Consciousness allows us to become aware of our moods without becoming consumed by them. It gives us the ability to observe our emotional state from a place of neutrality, rather than being swept up in it. When we become conscious of our mood, we can step back and notice, “Ah, I’m in a low mood right now,” or “I’m feeling really upbeat.” This awareness creates space between ourselves and our emotions, making it easier to see that our moods are simply the result of the thoughts we’re having in the moment.

This awareness also helps us stop overanalyzing or trying to change our moods. Often, when we’re in a bad mood, we think we need to figure out why we’re feeling that way or what we can do to fix it. But this kind of analysis usually keeps us stuck in the mood for longer. The more we focus on trying to change our mood, the more we get caught up in the thoughts that are creating it. However, when we simply observe the mood without trying to change it, we give our mind the space to naturally settle.

Imagine being on a roller coaster—you don’t try to stop the ride while you’re in the middle of it; you just let it run its course, knowing it will eventually come to an end. In the same way, when we’re aware that our moods are temporary, we can let them pass naturally without fighting or resisting them. Consciousness allows us to remain grounded, even when our emotions are in flux.

Mind: The Constant Beneath the Moods

Beneath the shifting nature of our moods lies the constant, unchanging wisdom of Mind. Mind is the deeper intelligence that guides all of life, and it remains steady and unshaken by the ups and downs of our emotions. No matter how low or irritable we feel in a given moment, this deeper intelligence is always present, offering clarity, peace, and insight when we allow our thinking to settle.

The problem isn’t the moods themselves—it’s our tendency to identify with them. When we’re in a low mood, we might think, “This is who I am,” or “I’ll never feel better.” But the truth is, our moods are not who we are—they are simply temporary emotional states created by thought. When we trust in the wisdom of Mind, we gain the perspective to see that no mood, no matter how intense, can change the essence of who we are.

Mind is the constant beneath the ever-changing nature of our thoughts and emotions. It’s the deeper intelligence that knows we are inherently resilient, whole, and at peace. When we align with this wisdom, we stop fearing our moods. We stop trying to manipulate our emotions and instead allow them to pass through us like waves on the surface of the ocean. Beneath those waves, the calm, expansive depth of Mind remains undisturbed.

Living with Ease Through Moods

Living with ease through moods means recognizing that no matter what we’re feeling, it’s temporary. We no longer need to be afraid of low moods or cling to high ones. We can simply observe them, knowing that they will shift and change, just as our thoughts do. This understanding brings a sense of freedom and peace because we no longer feel at the mercy of our emotions.

Instead of trying to “fix” a low mood or hold onto a good one, we can approach our moods with curiosity and acceptance. We can ask ourselves, “What thoughts am I entertaining right now?” and recognize that those thoughts are shaping how we feel. The more we see through the illusion of mood-driven thinking, the more we connect with the constant wisdom of Mind that guides us through every emotional wave.

When we stop identifying with our moods and allow them to pass without judgment, we create space for clarity and new insights to emerge. This doesn’t mean we won’t experience emotional highs and lows—those are part of being human. But it does mean we can move through those highs and lows with a greater sense of ease, knowing that no mood defines us or determines our well-being.

Conclusion

Moods are simply a reflection of the thoughts we are having in the moment. By understanding the temporary nature of both positive and negative moods, we gain the freedom to let them pass without attaching too much importance to them. The more we recognize that moods are created by thought, the less power they hold over us. Beneath every mood lies the constant wisdom of Mind, guiding us through the ups and downs of life with clarity, resilience, and peace.