Exploring why we get angry and its connection to our Values. We experience strong emotions when something we value is met or challenged. Today we will discuss an article from Psychology Today on strategies to work through anger and resentment, with a focus on acceptance, mindful appraisal, and learning to escape from the narrow vision of our immediate judgments.
(Podcast “Humanity’s Values” also available on iTunes, Soundcloud, and Google Play)
Anger
There are specific actions you can take to address feelings of anger and resentment in more healthy and helpful ways:
- Practice identifying and allowing yourself to feel the underlying emotions, such as hurt or fear.
- Practice being consciously present with your experience.
- Identify how you may have contributed to the situation(s).
- Practice expressing yourself differently.
- Learn and practice relaxation and self-calming techniques.
- As difficult as it may be, endeavor to practice treating people with kindness and compassion.
- Resist the urge to be a channel for the emotions of others.
- Practice applying the understanding that unless you’ve learned how to change the past, it’s as good as it’s ever going to get!
“This immediacy and inherent humanity of our emotional valuing is why, looked at alone, there’s nothing wrong with anger or any other emotion. They just are. You or anyone else is not broken or damaged goods because you get upset about an action or experience.”
Working through Anger One Breath at A Time