Positive Emotions
Postive emotions do not mean high emotions, just like bliss does not mean overt excitement. In fact, the reverse is true. While high emotions(arrogance, lust, anger, hatred{ego} and, at the other end of the spectrum, fear{superego}) involve the sympathetic drive, ramp up metabolism(stress response), are destructive; positive emotions(love, empathy) involve the parasympathetic system, including the vagus nerve that slows the heart and which, together with other parasympathetic nerves that dilate the blood vessels, lowers blood pressure. People with high vagal tone are able to control their emotions, experience better health and enjoy better harmony with their surroundings. And the virtuous cycle continues. Meditation, spiritualism(not necessarily religiosity) and relaxation techniques like yoga bring forth positive emotions and increase the vagal tone. All these harmonize one's self with the environment(others). You feel light-hearted after such practice because blood vessels...