Stress

Physics states that stress, a tensor quantity, can be completely specified by both a magnitude and a direction. Stress delivers an impact. And that impact meets some degree of resistance. The amount of resistance is dependent upon the characteristics of the object towards which the stress is directed.

However, it is difficult (if not impossible) to quantify the impacts and consequences of emotional stress. While science states that stress has the power to release adrenaline into the bloodstream, the actions one exhibits based on these increased adrenal levels vary. Stress can cause us to be violent, hyperactive, or depressed. The reaction is complicated further in that the same person will respond in varying ways to different forms of stress.

What role does sensitivity play with regard to stress? Are we trained to mask the levels of stress that we are under? Keep it cool, huh? Anxiety may keep us alert, and boost our defenses in compromising situations. But anxiety does little but amplify our response to stress.

Accept the challenges our environment brings upon us. Fearful anticipation can be counter-productive.

Retribution

John Adams considered that holding grudges was a matter of personal integrity. And often times grudges result from the exposure of insecurities. And when our vulnerabilities are put on display, the hurt can be so deep that we seek revenge. Personal space may have been invaded, or one may have been significantly impacted by factors beyond their control. Regardless of what the root cause may have been, some feel the need to atone for the result.

People have different criteria to evaluate whether or not revenge is necessary. And those who seek revenge can be dedicated to their own perceptions of integrity. Yet on the flipside, one's integrity can take a hit due to their vengeance.

What makes us feel better when we "get back" at people? What do we think of people who are successful in avenging their nemesis? What is the difference between wanting revenge and giving someone a second chance?

Revenge has a weakness. Its consequences aren't always considered due to its powerful combination of passion and urgency.

Humor

Whether or not it is an acquired skill, humor is unique in many ways. People can have different senses of it, they can tolerate various degrees of it, and often times one's perception of humor relates directly to a certain level of maturity. Yet no matter the culture or status, humor can elicit an immediate, uniform response. This can instantly level the playing field, and is the reason why it is critical throughout our social interactions. Science's explanation separates humor into 3 separate theories.

Incongruity Theory - Logic and familiarity are replaced by things that don't necessarily go together.

Superiority Theory - Laughing at the misfortunes of others.

Relief Theory - Using humor in a way to reduce stress or tension.

Words such as charisma, charm, or even leadership involve humor as well. Humor makes us feel good, and although we admire those who have command over the skill they often times are used solely for our entertainment. Perhaps we do react to humor because we lack the courage to admit our shortcomings, and due to that reason we take advantage of the opportunity to gloat in the misfortunes of others. However, those who are able to express these misfortunes on-stage with an "audience-as-critic" may have more conviction in themselves than we do.

Are careers in comedy respected professions? Why do we welcome humor in times of tragedy? What do we mean by "getting it"? These questions are difficult to answer, making its interpretation a considerable challenge.

Humor has the ability to reduce everyone and anyone to a common denominator. Laughter.

Competition

Its roots can be traced throughout mathematical ecology (see the Lotka-Volterra model of interspecific competition), but when one hears of competition its foundations are scarcely recalled. And there is little reason to imagine why it would be in the first place.

Competition is rare in that it has the potential to generate an array of emotional responses. Joy, agony, satisfaction, anxiety, and many additional expressions that when tallied nearly comprise our entire emotional spectrum. Competition is a reason for our being. Without competition, we do not exist in the manner that we do.

Yet is competition embraced? Why do we want to succeed over each other? What role does guilt play in domination? Competition requires both a winner and a loser. Many successful competitors possess the ability to judge themselves, and learn from the actions that resulted in failure.

The competitive nature of ourselves and our surroundings need not be feared. They simply need to be liberated.

Influence

Influence is dependent upon the aspirations of the individual. Accompanying foundations may include but are not limited to; one's ability to be impressed upon, lack of courage, or even an admiration of the possessions (material or otherwise) of the influencer.

What causes us to be influenced? Or more importantly, what is it within us that is the catalyst which encourages the future pursuit? What tells us, "yes, I need to do this, and for myself". Why are we all of the sudden convinced of our goals when were unable to convince ourselves previously? This is subject to an outside influence.

While we all may be exposed to external factors that persuade us in one direction or another, there appears to be those that live by their own rules, and those that live by the rules of their influencers, or even the unwritten and rarely challenged restrictions of society.

It is not easy to be yourself. Respect and encourage the uniqueness of each other.