The Purpose of Anger
Society often thinks of anger as a negative emotion, one that we should avoid or suppress. Anger is actually more complex and nuanced. Anger is an approach emotion, which means it drives us to engage with the world rather than withdraw from it. Anger is an action-promoting emotion. It pushes us to DO SOMETHING in the world.
The idea of anger as an “approach emotion” redefines our understanding of it. Unlike emotions that lead us to retreat, such as fear or sadness, anger drives us to confront challenges, seek solutions, and assert ourselves. This active engagement can be a catalyst for change and growth. And Emotions that push us into the world are viewed as positive by researchers studying feelings.
Let’s look at how anger often emerges: it typically surfaces when we encounter obstacles or frustrations that prevent us from achieving our goals. This natural reaction signals that something is wrong, pushing us to rectify the issue head-on. Anger is an emotion that we feel physically. We are often propelled into action. We feel fire. We feel motivated.
When channeled constructively, anger can fuel determination, motivate action, and even foster creativity. It is a vital and useful emotion.
Conflict and anger, often perceived as undesirable, are not inherently negative either. The key lies in how we judge and manage anger. It is not the presence of anger itself that is problematic but rather how it is expressed. Unchecked or misdirected anger can lead to harmful consequences, but when expressed constructively and directly, it can lead to positive outcomes and resolutions.
Understanding anger as a natural and useful emotion can help us reframe our relationship with it. By acknowledging that anger is a response to unmet needs, thwarted goals, injustice or unfairness, we can begin to see it as a signal for necessary change. This perspective allows us to harness the energy that anger provides to engage more deeply with the world around us.
Anger creates energy that is a powerful impetus for action and engagement. Rather than shunning or suppressing it, we can learn to navigate it with mindfulness and intention. By doing so, we can transform anger from a perceived negative force into a constructive and motivating power in our lives.
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*Awareness is knowing what you genuinely want and need.
*Alignment is the symmetry between our values and our actions. It means our inner and outer worlds match.
*Action is when you are conscious that what you say, do and think are in harmony with your values.
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