Quantum Happiness Series- Anger Alchemy
“When people are sad, they don’t do
anything, but when they get angry, they bring about a change.”
—Malcolm X
Anger is physical and brings with it that
awesome rush of energy and adrenaline via our fight or flight response. When we
internalize this angry energy, it becomes toxic and turns us against ourselves,
often making us demoralized and depressed, both symptoms of ennui. But if we find a healthy outlet, it becomes a
source of motivation and strength.
Let’s use the hypothetical example of a
neighbor (whom you will meet in a future segment) who told me I couldn’t grow
weeds much less prize-winning roses. Maybe I was just thinking about growing
roses, but her response would have galvanized and energized my determination to
grow not only roses, but prize-winning roses just to show her I could.
·
Physical exercise,
·
Work in the yard or garden,
·
Research and writing,
·
Education,
·
Seeking an elected office,
·
Joining or starting a group or movement related to the cause,
o
Human rights groups
o
Animal rights groups
o
Civic organizations
o
Educational organizations
provide a safe and productive channel for
anger instead of allowing it to ferment and fertilize the roots of ennui.
So, the next time your heart is racing, and
your blood is boiling, lace up those running shoes and pound some pavement,
grab a pen and write a letter to the editor, or find a trowel and weed the
garden.
Don’t just stew in that anger and frustration.
Do something. You’ll feel better!
How to use anger as jet fuel
Engagement exercise 1:
List three things in your life today that make you mad enough to motivate you.
1) _________________________________________________
2)_________________________________________________
3)_________________________________________________
Engagement exercise
2:
Are you using that
energy productively or self-destructively? If destructive, how can you channel
it more productively?
1)____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
2)____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3)____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
This has been an excerpt from the Everyday Vacay e-series.
Come join the conversation in Tammy Talk's Social Circle:
If you are generally tired and frustrated, click here to receive a free e-seminar that details the causes and the cure.
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