Anger

Restoring Boundaries, Reclaiming Balance

Loudly defiant, simperingly silent, petulantly petty. Anger can manifest in our bodies, minds and hearts in many ways-so much so that the bearer may not recognize when their reactions, motivations and feelings are rising from anger. A situation may be causing you frustration right now. Tune into your reactions and consider what they are telling you. Your sense of security and fairness may have been shaken, and it is okay to be angry. However, your reactions shape your world, so moving your anger out of the shadows can lead to expansion. Anger can reveal lifelong patterns that limit your growth. It may be easy to blame others for our anger, but in doing so, our own needs remain unexplored or disregarded. Waiting for someone or something out of your control to change so that you can stop being angry is futile. Your anger is your business, so ask it what it wants. From there, you can determine a course of action. Whatever it is fueled by, you can choose to recognize or deny anger. Fighting it often causes it to push back and you can become more frustrated. Acknowledge and listen to your anger, and watch it transform into acceptance or action. Choose to make anger part of your empowerment process.

Shadow Mastery Class: Embrace and Transform Anger into Wisdom

Meditation

Place your hand on the card. Gently close your eyes. Sense your body and concentrate on your breathing. Follow your breath inward. Hold for five seconds and relax. Breathe out and release all tension. Focus on the middle of your chest.

In front of you, a golden staircase descends into the earth. Relax as you walk down the ten healing steps to a magical, amethyst crystal cave. Each step immerses you deeper into the origins of your anger.

Step into the amethyst cave and greet your shadow. In front of you is a red door with the word “Anger” etched upon it in gold. As you step through the door, you are bathed in the red light that fills the room. Instinctively, you know to sit in the chair in the middle of the room. It is so comfortable. Close your eyes. The feeling of anger moves around you. Let it be there. It has an important message to share:

Welcome, brave one. I am here to help you solve a problem. Get to know how I feel, so you can recognize me early before I feel the need to take over. I can be activated by stress or danger. In mild bursts, I can alert and protect you from perceived or real threats. However, when you don’t acknowledge me or you can not find a way to feel safe, I can start to overshadow other emotions. When I remain ignored and unaddressed, I will flow from your mind and into your body. You may feel your heart pounding, your shoulders tighten and your jaw clench. You may feel resentful, irritable, bitter or jealous or want to lash out. When this happens sit and talk with me. Remember, I am here to help!

Bring to mind a situation or person that makes you angry. As you think about it, let anger begin to rise. Now, breathe deeply five times. Breathe into the waves of anger. Now, you are breathing in healing red light, which begins to dissipate and calm it. Unclench your jaw and hands, and drop your shoulders. Take five more long, deep red breaths, and be open to the message about what prompted your anger to come forth. Stay here for as long as you like-at least thirty seconds.

Leave the red room and return to the amethyst cave. Walk to the golden staircase. As you ascend, notice that you feel light and calm. Thank your shadow for holding the fuel of anger when you didn’t know what to do with it. At the top of the stairs, take two deep breaths in and out and open your eyes to absolute relief.

Inspired Insights, Reflections and Actions

Anger is filled with energy that can be harnessed and used to create change and cleanse the shadow. However, if it is denied or becomes a habit, it loses its power and becomes an obstacle to growth. Anger feels dynamic and active, which gives the impression of moving forwards, but it could be masking another issue.

When you feel angry, try sitting with it. Breathe into it and let it just be. Count to ten and take note of how you feel. Listen to what is beneath the anger. Repeat until the anger has transformed or dissipated.

Journal Work

Write about or draw your anger. How does it feel? What part of you do you think it comes from? What does it look like? What does it have to tell you? Who makes you angry and why?

Explore your anger. Get to know it so you can understand it more clearly and respond to it in ways that open your heart and mind to solutions.