Can Anger Be Useful? (Looking at the positive side of negative emotions)

Episode Intro

In a recent conversation with a beautiful mage in a far off mountain range that will remain nameless, we stumbled into a topic I'd been thinking about lately, how anger has been the emotion that's popped me out of periods of malaise. It's also helped snap my focus to something not okay happening in a sea of noise. It's been the kindling in my belly that's burned a path to action. 

But in western culture, anger is stigmatized. So is anxiety, and even fear. I did a whole show on Gavin De Becker's book, The Gift of Fear, which is still a fantastic useful read after all these years. And yes, fear can be a gift.

After that conversation on the mountain, I went on a deep dive into research about emotions and their silver linings. 

Let's get into it!

Show Read/Watch List

Anger and A Call to Preserve Ancient Sacred Site in Florida - 

Link to Old World Florida video here, YouTube

6 Emotions that Differ Between Cultures, Lingoda dot com, Adriana Stein

Emotions and Culture, Maricopa Community Colleges

Anger, Sadness, Boredom, Anxiety: Emotions That Feel Bad Can Be Useful, Texas A & M

The Positives of Negative Emotion, Psychology Today, Dr. Aditi Subramaniam

Repressed Emotions: How to Stop Suppressing Emotions, Positive Psychology dot com, Dr. Angelica Attard

The Real Purpose Behind Your Negative Emotions, The Happiness Doctor, Dr. Sophia Godkin

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But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. 

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