Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Barbara R.'s avatar

Excellent article

Expand full comment
JdL's avatar

I hope you don't tire of me saying, another very thoughtful and worthwhile column.

Flashes of anger are tricky things: there are several pitfalls to avoid. First and most obvious, if we act out without restraint, we may later regret having done so, especially if we lose a job or a friendship. Second, while experiencing anger we are less likely to be able to focus on putting the triggering incident into perspective. But a third pitfall which I think is often underemphasized is to say "Anger is bad; I must put a lid on it." As pointless and counterproductive as anger itself may be, a remnant of our old, pre-human brains, when it surfaces it needs to find release, or it builds up and becomes a chronic, unhealthy state. Alone in my car, I may loudly curse the driver who cuts me off; though he can't hear me (which is probably a good thing), to a great degree, that helps flush it out of my system.

Expand full comment
5 more comments...

No posts