why emotions matter: recognize your body signals, grow in emotional intelligence, discover an embodied spirituality  for some, emotions are overwhelming and all-important. for others, they are bothersome and irrational. no matter where you fall on the emotional spectrum, one thing is for sure: god designed you as an emotional being. your emotions have purpose, and they’re worth handling with curiosity, respect, and wisdom. <br> <br>what might it look like for you to have a healthy relationship with emotions? could you learn to discern them and use them wisely? through the unified lens of current research and scriptural teaching, this guide explores: <br> <br>• how emotions work as signals on your body’s internal dashboard <br>• why emotions are valuable (even when they are unpleasant) <br>• what to do when your emotions don’t match the situation <br>• helpful tools and habits to cultivate emotional health over the long-term <br>• the ins and outs of shame, fear, anger, sadness, jealousy, and happiness <br> <br>whether you’re a skeptical stoic or an impulsive feeler, pursuing a healthy relationship with your emotions is key to living a passionate and abundant life. after all, it’s ultimately about becoming a little more like the person god created you to be. <br> <br>“the collins have written a unique and extraordinary book, one that blends the recent findings of psychology with the ancient insights of spirituality, all grounded in a healthy, solid biblical theology. we all ache for a healthy soul, yet this side of eden, and especially in our modern, frenetic, fast-unraveling world, struggle to live in the love, joy, and peace we know jesus has for us. this book is like a map, or more, a kind, calm, wise guide for the road to life." <br>— john mark comer, pastor for teaching at bridgetown church, and author of the ruthless elimination of hurry <br> <br>“here’s your chance to take a big step forward on your journey toward understanding your inner world! this is a marvelously honest, insightful, and practical book about the surprising gift our emotions are when we understand what they signal. read it!” <br>— ian morgan cron, author of the road back to you <br> <br>"i don't remember the last time i read such a consequential book. jon and tristen have brilliantly woven theology, psychology, wit, humor, and grace to give us such a desperately needed resource! i immediately thought of ten people i will be buying this book for." <br>— jefferson bethke, nyt best selling author of jesus > religion <br> <br>“at the ripe old age of thirty-seven, i keep imagining myself standing outside a high school with a case of this book to hand to every student. if seventeen-year-old joy had read this book, she would have headed into adulthood with permission to take stock of the “why” behind her emotions (there were a few) and the “what” god and science has to say about them. this is a psychology-theology book that is both profound and accessible for any age or stage. ” <br>— joy eggerichs reed, founder of punchline speakers <br> <br>most of us have had moments when our own reactions, thoughts, and feelings surprise or perplex us, and we wonder, "why did i just say or do that?" in this wonderfully helpful book, the collins have given us a practical and profound education in what emotions are, and how they can guide us into greater self-awareness. it's an invitation to think psychologically and theologically about the human person, so you can offer a healthier and more integrated version of yourself to the people around you. <br>— tim mackie, cofounder of the bible project <br> <br>“‘sometimes you choose the book. other times, the book chooses you.’ this book chose me. i needed it.