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.
A writer never gets tired of hearing his work is impactful. Thank you!
Beyond suppression or expression, there is a third way. Notice without judgment the justifying story (via internal thoughts) that arises along with the anger. You may experience the steam going way down.
Excellent article Barry! I think one of the main issues related to anxiety/mental health is the messaging/propaganda people are bombarded with non stop. I truly feel that advertisments/tv shows/ etc put subliminal messaging in that fucks with peoples thoughts, not in a manchurian candidate way but in ways much more subtle. If you're a teenage girl and watch nothing but reality television I can absolutely guarantee that you've stopped reading books, worry non stop about your weight, disdain anything that is not top of the line name brand, want to be an Instagram influencer, think shallow, awful men are hot, and have the self awareness of a mountain troll. How can I guess this? The programming that is taking place while people watch these shows, along with all of the prescription drug advertising that occurs during commercial breaks, combine this with the fear porn that is the nightly news and you've created a walking talking Anxiety Monster who has no clue this is all due the desire to be entertained.
Excellent article
Thank you, Barbara.
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.
A writer never gets tired of hearing his work is impactful. Thank you!
Beyond suppression or expression, there is a third way. Notice without judgment the justifying story (via internal thoughts) that arises along with the anger. You may experience the steam going way down.
What??! You would deprive me of cursing?? ;-)
Excellent article Barry! I think one of the main issues related to anxiety/mental health is the messaging/propaganda people are bombarded with non stop. I truly feel that advertisments/tv shows/ etc put subliminal messaging in that fucks with peoples thoughts, not in a manchurian candidate way but in ways much more subtle. If you're a teenage girl and watch nothing but reality television I can absolutely guarantee that you've stopped reading books, worry non stop about your weight, disdain anything that is not top of the line name brand, want to be an Instagram influencer, think shallow, awful men are hot, and have the self awareness of a mountain troll. How can I guess this? The programming that is taking place while people watch these shows, along with all of the prescription drug advertising that occurs during commercial breaks, combine this with the fear porn that is the nightly news and you've created a walking talking Anxiety Monster who has no clue this is all due the desire to be entertained.
Much appreciated; thank you, Doc.