Mindful emotions

The Menorah was made with decorative features in the shapes of cups, balls and flowers. At the top of each of the seven branches were three of the cup-shaped decorations. The Rambam draws the cups facing downwards.
 
The seven branches of the Menorah reflect the seven emotional drives of the soul which parallel the G-dly energies of the seven Sefiros. Our emotional drives come from the heart.
 
The three cups at the top of each branch represent the three intellectual processes through which ideas are conceived, developed and internalised. These are the intellectual powers of Chochma, Binah and Daas which rest within the brain.
 
The cups facing downwards, illustrate how the three aspects of intellect pour their flow into each of the branches that make up our emotional experience.
 
Chassidus teaches that the human gift is that our mind rules over our heart, intellect over instinct. Our emotions should be mindful, directed by understanding and appreciation.
 
At the same time, our rational understandings should not remain abstract theory. When we learn about Hashem, we fill our minds with G-dly concepts. We have to channel these thoughts into a meaningful emotional relationship with Hashem.