One of the primary lessons of Freemasonry is to learn to subdue your passions. On the surface, some might think this means to dampen and reduce your emotions – to become a kind of automaton. Quite the opposite is the case, however.
As you proceed down your spiritual growth path, your emotions become more intense and poignant in response to external events. The difference, by the result of proper training, is that, on the surface, you appear calmer and in perfect control of your emotions, regardless of the circumstance.
An examination of the word Subdue supports this contention. The dictionary definition of subdue is to “bring under mental or emotional control, as by persuasion or intimidation; render submissive.” The Latin derivation of the word is of even more interest as subdue originates from subdūcere, which translates into “to withdraw.” An inference here is that you are withdrawing your emotions from external view.
On the inside, your emotional reactions to external circumstances become more intense – you are able to pick up more subtle nuances in your personal interactions. Controlled Emotional Response On the outside, your demeanor is that of a placid lake in terms of facial expressions and both body and eye language.
In a certain sense, you become detached from your emotions. You are better able to identify your emotional response to situations, analyze that response, and…
