Emotions
propagate backwards in time and living systems constantly use emotional signals
in order to feel the future and choose advantageously. For example, we avoid
the options associated with anticipatory feelings of discomfort and select the
options associated with anticipatory feelings of wellbeing. This takes the form
of intuitions, presentiments and heart and gut feelings. The neurophysiologist
Antonio Damasio uses the term “somatic marker” to indicate these feelings and noticed
that when these feelings are impaired or distorted, decision making becomes
difficult and it is difficult to choose advantageously.
Anxiety
alerts us in advance about situations of distress. For example, if our feelings
of anguish are triggered by loneliness, anxiety alerts us in advance and can be
used to choose “advantageously”, in order to avoid loneliness and consequently
anguish.
The Vital Needs Theory - page 34