#177
Anger is one of the core emotions we all experience. But all too often we perceive it as an emotion that we should not be feeling – so we try to dismiss it as soon as it manifests, since it makes us feel ashamed, defeated or even consumed by it.
Why?
Because we merge with it, instead of taking a step back to observe and learn from it.
All emotions are meant to teach us something. Our biggest responsibility is to recognise them, observe where they take our attention and understand the lesson.
Anger is useful. It usually alerts us when an invisible boundary has been crossed, whether by us or others, whether a boundary that relates to us personally or to a whole community.
Anger is most useful when it’s understood and channeled into something else, such as a meaningful project or a resolution to change a pattern and break a cycle.
I’m not encouraging you to be angry, even though there’s plenty in the world to be angry about.
I’m saying that you’ll learn more from facing your anger in real time rather than constantly running away from it – check out the Feelings Wheel to discover its many levels.
