Have you feeling like your fuse is a little short lately?
PLEASE READ FIRST!
Anger is often labeled as a negative emotion and because of that we are not always taught from a young age how to experience and express anger in a healthy way.
The first part of this practice is not ideal if you have unmedicated high blood pressure, very low blood pressure, glaucoma, are pregnant or recovering from severe covid. It requires rapid strong breathing and movement which can make you lightheaded. You are welcome to attempt it by slowing down the breath and shaking movements.
Anger is a protective emotional response to a situation. It tells us a lot about our values, boundaries and pain if we can hold enough space to listen. Because it serves a protective function it activates a fight or flight response in the body. A lot of energy is suddenly released in the nervous system for us to move and run if needed. This means that our capacity for decision making is affected, as our amygdala is more active than our frontal cortex. In short, we don’t see the full picture and are prone to misinterpreting what is happening. Especially if what we are facing is not an actual lion or immediate physical danger.
A good strategy is to first allow for feeling the anger and moving the body to ‘spend’ the energy. Once it is spent, taking time to move slow and catch your breath will help the rational part of your brain come back online. From there you can take a moment to honor what your anger has shown you and decide on what action is best to continue with. In some situations that might be to move more, get out of the house to blow off some steam. Or perhaps you need to talk to someone for advice.
Anger is healthier when owned, because then it is on our power to change what doesn't work for us. This does not mean feeling angry all the time, but rather recognizing our responsibility for managing how we feel as a first step.
Take the time to assess what it is really happening. Our feelings are always true relative to our own values, beliefs and situation, but are not always the whole picture. Here is a writing or contemplation exercise you can try to uncover what is on your heart.
I feel angry because *this happened*.
I feel abandoned / unseen / alone / hurt or whatever comes up for you.
Then consider the following questions:
- Do I know all there is to know about this?
- Could there be another explanation?
- Could I find out more information? (if you feel unsure)
- What might the other person be carrying that I do not know about?
- Could I have a conversation about it?
- What can I do for myself to nurture the part of me that feels upset?
- Do I feel ready to take action on this now or is it better to wait for when I am more grounded?
It is best suited to smaller misunderstandings. It is not meant for situations where you have been directly physically harmed or as a continuing pattern of verbal emotional abuse. Or as part of greater structural social injustice. In that case, please find yourself a place of safety and reach out for help. You can use this list if you are in Namibia - ndapewoshaliwr...
I really hope this helps you consider your anger in a new light. If you have not worked with your anger in this way before it might take some time and support from a friend or a professional. Allow yourself to stay compassionate and curious and you will find a way!
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Liezl Hoving Yoga strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercise.
Liezl Hoving Yoga is not a licensed medical care provider and represents that it has no expertise in diagnosing, examining, or treating medical conditions of any kind, or in determining the effect of any specific exercise on a medical condition.
You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Liezl Hoving Yoga from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Liezl Hoving Yoga' s negligence.
Disclaimer - I’m not a certified medical professional and what I share is meant as complementary practices to professional help. It does not replace the care, diagnosis and recommendations of a certified professional. This material comes from my skills as a yoga teacher of over a decade and personal experience with loss, grief, anxiety and healing. I have worked with medical professionals in this capacity before and know that what I offer is aligned as a complimentary therapeutic tool only.
27 авг 2024
