Pent-up anger vs. inner peace

Filed Under Freedom Challenge, Stretching the comfort zone |

Over the last several months, I've been hearing myself, my friends, and my clients speak about freedom…freedom from limiting thoughts and behaviors, freedom to be more of who we want to be.  For me, my exploration of the theme of freedom has led to my own desire to let loose a little more, to rekindle my heart's sparkle, to become rejuvenated, revitalized, re-enthused.  That's likely what started the thought of having a Freedom Challenge.  Challenging myself to stretch my comfort zone  bit by bit isn't easy - if it were easy and safe and comfy, gosh, I would have done it long ago!  

So this week I've stretched my comfort zone several times, been scared, been angry, wanted to burrow into a safe, comfy spot.  My dear friend, Neysa, upon hearing about my anger teased that the "Inner Peace Activist" wouldn't have any entries if I was experiencing that much anger.  Ahh, but that is part of my freedom - and inner peace - to allow myself to experience all that pent up anger as being okay.  Not comfortable, but okay.  A deep breath.  A sense of freedom.


Comments

4 Comments so far

  1. Carlos Todd on May 19, 2007 6:35 am

    I loved your discourse Shawn. Some want to suggest that anger should not be expressed however the truth is that it has more to do with being assertive and not being aggressive. Anger is a wonderful tool that allows and the world around us to know that a line has been crossed. This emotion however is not an automatic call to action. As human with higher cognition we can choose to release pent-up-anger in a way the both appropriate and satisfying.

    Truly learning to use anger as a tool involve not only anger management but also practicing stress management, good communication skills and emotional intelligence. Good luck on your inner peace journey.

    Carlos Todd, LPC, NCC, CAMF
    President of the American Association of Anger Management Providers

    http://www.aaamp.com
    http://www.masteringanger.com

  2. shawn on May 29, 2007 10:33 pm

    Thanks, Carlos! I think you raise a very good point - that anger is “not an automatic call to action.” It can be such a powerful emotion that it may seem unstoppable, uncontrollable - which may indicate why it’s often pent-up. This process of self-discovery certainly opens up new worlds. Anger as a tool - an inconceivable concept not that long ago - is an exciting prospect.

  3. Anger Management on July 31, 2007 2:44 am

    Anger Management…

    Anger Management…

  4. Jeremiah Ramirez on May 23, 2010 12:12 pm

    one of the best things to incorporate with Stress Management is meditation and deep breating exercises.,,:

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