Yesterday, I was amused when I asked ChatGPT, “What does it mean, ‘My emotions got the best of me.’” There was no response. I tried again, no response. Finally, on my third try (and I promise you I wasn’t letting my emotions get the best of me by being impatient), ChatGPT said, it was “acting impulsively, losing control, or doing something that isn’t aligned with their usual behavior.”
Why don’t we have a reciprocal language, “My reason got the best of me?” Why do we apologize for our tears? What if our emotions represent the best of me? Why does rationale trump emotions when it comes to our value in society?
Here’s a poem I’ve written to capture the balance of head and heart:
The Head and Heart Tango
Heart is hot, Head is cool,
Naturally unsuited for dance school.
Tried foxtrot, hustle, and stately waltz,
But all of them felt utterly false.
Head erect, serene, and cool
Was set aloft to guide and rule.
The throbbing, wayward, lonely Heart
That felt so often torn apart.
Then the tune changed today,
Dance floor calling them to play.
Head escorts Heart with a new rhythm
To heal this ever-lasting schism.
When we forget our fumbling, bumbling feet,
Feel the magic and hear the soulful beat,
Somewhere in the passionate ebb and flow
Our head and heart transform into tango.
Our rhythm begins to coincide
With a natural step-and-glide.
When Heart surrender to Head’s lead
And Head cherishes and serves Heart’s need.
These dance partners are new to this.
Head and Heart are full of bliss.
What was once entangled is now entwined.
If only we could teach this step to mankind.
-Chip