A recent comedic exchange between my mother and I, helped me understand my purpose in this life with far greater clarity:
Mama: Why do you like to make people angry? (In reference to an article I wrote exposing the massive lie related to the concept of ‘forgiveness’.)
Me: Because this is what I am here to do – this is the reason I was born, mother!
We looked at each other and burst into laughter because she knew what I meant, since I am a chip off the old block.
As a healer, my primary purpose is to get people in touch with their negative emotions, specifically their anger, for this powerful and liberating gift of an emotion is where true healing begins. I have great respect for it.
Anger (and rage) is part of the human condition. Even if you have not experienced any major traumas, it is inevitable that life will bring you people and situations that are going to piss you off. You will feel this emotion whether or not you choose to acknowledge it (if you claim that you never get angry, or that you have ‘evolved’ beyond it, you are lying to yourself). If unexpressed, anger will seep out anyway usually passive-aggressively. For example, a man who is betrayed by his wife claims to have ‘forgiven’ her but withholds affection from her and does not allow her to do anything without his permission.
Misdirected anger is another way that suppressed anger leaks out when not properly acknowledged. Referring to the previous example of the man who is cheated on by his wife, he may misdirect his anger at her lover, their children, or women in general. Misdirected anger can also be physically expressed through violence.
Suppressed anger is THE cause of depression.
If you deny this emotion by not directly acknowledging and feeling it, you arrest your healing. Meditations, or visualizations that involve something like picturing your anger fly off in some imaginary balloon, are inappropriate ways to release it. This is because anger – like all emotions – cannot be felt with the mind for the mind’s function is to think. You will process your anger as it passes through your body by screaming; swearing; voicing it directly to the offending party; moving to some kick-ass music; punching something like a pillow or boxing bag; smashing something with the force of the raw power generated from within.
Let Your Righteous Indignation Set You Free For This Is Its Healing Gift To You.
Helen
P.S. – The following rock song (lyrics and music video) is one that helps me get in touch with my anger – it may help you, too. However, if you have an aversion to the glorious F-word, it is best that you stop reading right…now.
“St. Anger” by Metallica (2003)
Saint Anger ’round my neck
Saint Anger ’round my neck
He never gets respect
Saint Anger ’round my neck
[x2]
You flush it out, You flush it out
Saint Anger ’round my neck
You flush it out, You flush it out
He never gets respect
Fuck it all and no regrets
I hit the lights on these dark sets
I need a voice to let myself
To let myself go free
Fuck it all and fuckin’ no regrets
I hit the lights on these dark sets
Medallion noose, I hang myself
Saint Anger ’round my neck
I feel my world shake
Like an earth quake
Hard to see clear
Is it me? Is it fear?
I’m madly in anger with you [x4]
Saint Anger ’round my neck
Saint Anger ’round my neck
He never gets respect
Saint Anger ’round my neck
[x2]
You flush it out, You flush it out
Saint Anger ’round my neck
You flush it out, You flush it out
He never gets respect
Fuck it all and no regrets
I hit the lights on these dark sets
I need a voice to let myself
To let myself go free
Fuck it all and fuckin’ no regrets
I hit the lights on these dark sets
Medallion noose, I hang myself
Saint Anger ’round my neck
I feel my world shake
Like an earth quake
Hard to see clear
Is it me? Is it fear?
I’m madly in anger with you [x4]
And I want my anger to be healthy
And I want my anger just for me
And I need my anger not to control
And I want my anger to be me
And I need to set my anger free [x4]
Set it free!
Fuck it all and no regrets
I hit the lights on these dark sets
I need a voice to let myself
To let myself go free
Fuck it all and fuckin’ no regrets
I hit the lights on these dark sets
Medallion noose, I hang myself
Saint Anger ’round my neck
I feel my world shake
Like an earth quake
Hard to see clear
Is it me? Is it fear?
I’m madly in anger with you [x8]
For those who want to rock out to this one…Enjoy!!!
