I read Thich Nhat Hanh’s book a while back, called “Anger: Wisdom For Cooling The Flames”. There were some very interesting ideas about anger and working with it. First of all, he states how important it is not to try to get rid of it. I think even that simple point is important. A lot of times we feel certain emotions and try to get rid of them, or distract, or numb. This might be from learning early on that the emotions are wrong… which of course they’re not.
He says also that it’s not wise to express the anger with outbursts… like hitting a pillow or heavy bag. I don’t know if I fully agree with it- but it does make sense on some level. He says that by doing this, let’s say hitting a pillow, we’re just rehearsing the anger. Watering the seed of it and then when it comes up later, it’s stronger. We haven’t “cared for” the anger.
Here, he says that it’s helpful to recognize it rising, and observe it. Feel it fully and you can even speak to it… letting it know you are caring for it with awareness. I think the point there is to not get hooked (shenpa) or to try to eliminate it. Instead, you use your awareness to hold it. In this way, you allow it to come up, circulate, and then let it go back down to- I think he calls it “store consciousness”. This way, the next time it comes up, it’s not as intense.
It sounds kind of strange to say, care for it, and even speak to it. But all it is is practicing awareness.
The book is cool and of course you don’t have to agree with all his ideas… but there is definitely a lot of wisdom in it. The next time you feel anger rising, maybe try some light movement and meditation… see if it circulates and lessens.
Wishing you strength and health.
