By Jean Maczko
As you read this title, you may be thinking, “This chic is crazy. How can anger be a gift?”
True, many of us have been taught to suppress anger, hide it, pretend we are fine, etc. Throughout my life, I have learned to be a master at suppressing my anger simply because, well, quite honestly… it scared me. I buried it deep until I learned a few things about how to control it rather than letting it control me.
Anger is a side of us that we may think of as unattractive—the feelings of losing control of ourselves and our emotions, words lashing out that we most likely will regret, and then the shame that comes along with all that. Let’s face it, it can be U-G-L-Y. As humans, we sometimes tend to blame others for our emotions. Yep, it’s true. The first step is in admitting that quite possibly, we may do that. Just flirt with the idea a moment, and be honest with yourselves. No judgement, just truth.
Ready for the good news? There are steps we can take to change that.
Take Responsibility
Many times, as intense emotions are evoked within us, it gives us a chance to evaluate where our anger comes from and why. We tend to blame others when things do not go our way, or when someone does something to us that makes us feel a certain way. The first important point to remember is that no one is responsible for your feelings except you. You have complete control of how you react or respond to others and the world around you. It is a choice.
Once you begin to make it a conscious choice, it becomes easier to let go of things. As we learn to take greater responsibility for ourselves and our emotions, we empower ourselves to deeper levels. We become more grounded within ourselves, and less swayed by the reactive emotions of others. Imagine the level of satisfaction in no longer engaging with someone trying to rattle your chains. Just let it roll off. How does that feel?
Conflict Resolution
When we engage with someone with whom we disagree with, how does anger serve us there? Or does it? Think back to the last time you had an arguement with someone. Was there screaming and yelling? Were the emotions flying? Did it feel good? Was anything resolved? True, some people like the chaos and passion of a good ole fashion argument, but typically speaking, how quickly do things get resolved in that state?
Many times, neither party is truly listening because they are too busy playing defense. Instead, what if you really listened to that person in front of you? It is true that you may disagree with him/her, but both of you deserve the respect to be heard. Many times, anger will be diffused just by having another person present and interested in what we are saying. We have the ability to completely shift the surrounding energy of a situation, if we choose to. We are pretty powerful beings!
I know… it appears that I am only saying to disengage from, or transmute your anger. How is it a gift, you ask? Here is where it comes full circle.
Boundaries
Anger surfaces to show changes that need to be made, so that we can step into the best versions of ourselves. When something or someone challenges us and creates a space that is uncomfortable, we want to change or avoid it. Anger empowers us to make those changes that we may have been afraid to address in the past. It sparks a fire within us that gives us the courage to make those changes and the conviction to see it to completion. Anger is a clear indication that something is not right within our world and that it is time to move through it!
Action
Anger is an active emotion. It creates movement. Have you ever been so angry that you found yourself fantasizing about having an hour alone with a punching bag? Before I learned how to allow my anger to serve me, I literally asked for one for Christmas. Seriously! Anger forces us to take action—one way or the other.
Now, what I am about to say is one of the most important things you will ever read. You have a choice how to use this exciting, motivating, moving, empowering energy! Repeat—YOU have a choice how to use it. How will you make it work for you?
Truth
Obviously, anger is something that comes in with a force. It is something that is undeniable. It can be so loud sometimes, that other things cease to exist. It is beautiful in its form really. I know you think I am crazy again, but just hear me out. Anger lets us know, without a doubt, what we need to work on.
Have you ever asked yourself why you got so angry about this or that? Have you gone in, and given it much thought? Anger will expose pieces of ourselves that need healing. It is an old wound that someone just poured salt into. It aggravates instantly and draws our focused attention there. Many times, we receive information from our instincts, friends, loved ones, and guidance, about soul work that needs to addressed. These messages come in gently at first, like soft waves lapping on a shore line. If we are not tuned into that gentle frequency, a storm begins to brew, and the messages come in with more force. If we still choose to ignore those messages, suddenly we find ourselves in the middle of a CAT 5 hurricane with twisters spewing off all angles and no shelter from the storm. That, my friends, is your anger. It can be so loud that you cannot deny it. That is your gift from self that indicates the need to spend time, go in, and heal.
Once you begin the healing process and honor those pieces of yourselves, your experiences will settle back down and life will once again become rainbows and unicorns.
Remember, lessons will continue to surface until we choose to learn them.
Jean Maczko believes in community and the power of co-creating. Her passion in life is to move people to a better state of being whether it be through guided meditations, classes and workshops, or through her private practice of massage, energy work, and life coaching. She is passionate about her work and is fueled by it on many levels. Jean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The College of Charleston, is Nationally Certified in Neuromuscular Therapy, is studying to become Board Certified in Holistic Psychology, has a multitude of certifications in Energetic modalities, (including CranioSacral with the Upledger Institute, Hands of Light with the Barbara Brennan School of Healing in Miami, Healing Touch, and is a level 2 Usui Reiki practitioner), has studied extensively with Shamanic Practitioners and loves to be a perpetual student of life!
Her private work is gentle, but profound. She strives to help others release what no longer serves them by directing the energy while working through the multifaceted layers of the body, including the energetic, physical, mental, emotional and the spiritual bodies. When we begin to see the body as dynamic and ever changing, we can then work with that movement to encourage tremendous growth and life changing transformation. She believes that true healing occurs when all layers of the body are addressed. That is her signature therapy, and can be done in person or within the realm of distance healing.
It is one of Jean’s greatest joys in life to witness and be able to facilitate these kinds of changes in her clients and other professionals in the field. Life is a journey, and she believes the most beautiful journey is the one into self. Jean is available for Distance Healing and Transpersonal Coaching sessions via Skype or by phone.
To schedule a session, please e mail : Jean@TheCollectiveway.com. Also check out her website here and on Facebook!
Photo: (source)
Editor: Dana Gornall
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- The Gift of Anger. - November 2, 2015
