An ancient saying states that just as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend to show rage or worthy purpose. What could this mean? Could anger be an emotion that reveals hidden truths about a person?
In her classic book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron elaborates on the ability of anger to disclose concealed aspects of a person’s direction and purpose in life. One needs to translate the message that anger is sending. It is trying to bring something to the light to be looked at and examined. Usually one tries to conceal or bury anger, feeling the social restraints and consequences. While sensitivity to not hurt others is valid, an individual’s feeling of anger needs private examination. Anger must not master us, but it can become a tool for self-revelation. It can be a guide or map to help us find our purpose in life and the hidden passions of our heart.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines. The comments below begin with the oldest comments first. Click on the last comments page to jump to the most recent comments.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines.
Post a Comment:
Copyright © 1992-2012 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 25 May 2012
|
Hi Jane,I don’t have a question about anger, I have a statement. I’m also a very gifted visual artist – painter/sculptor and I really believe that my skills are a gift from the Almighty.I think its one of the many ways he keeps in touch with us through each other.
Living our lives with each other poses many challenges and God allows us the outlet of ‘anger’, just like any other emotion, and I think in this case its a safety device which allows us to thrive and not self-destruct or become destructive.And like a talent,we have to learn ‘how to use it’.When a person uses obscene language or throws something its a definite release;instead of hurting someone else.If you hurt someone out of anger, thats the manifestation of an underlying problem, and others should be warned. Anger is also a subconscious way of letting us know that we are being wronged and that we should do something about what is causing the problem.People, I think, need to learn more about the expression of anger in themselves and others and this would help to avoid people getting hurt.There’s the expression:”Ignorance is bliss”,I interpret this to mean “If you don’t know you’re being wronged you will never be angry”.Personally, I get angry when I see or come to know that people are being wronged, for example – corporate greed,white color crime or any type of crime,for that matter,illegal plots and schemes against innocent people.In my life time,I’ve seen this type of behavior a lot, especially in a capitalistic society.I get angry, but while I would never think of hurting anyone,I feel that it is only natural to say something about it;this is what I mean when I say that we should learn ‘how to use anger’.
Anger is also the power that drives change. Not only should you examine the anger to determine the true cause, which is often not the obvious thing that made us angry; but we should also harness the massive amounts of energy and strength that can come from anger. The strength which can allow a person to push past insecurities and other social issues that prevent them from stating their needs and enforcing them.
Great thoughts on additional values of anger! Thanks.
Thanks for the article. Working with angry people as an educator for years has taught me a couple of things. Anger is a double edged sword. Externally, it can cut through the bull, but it can also cut the people you love. The other side of the blade will cut deeply into ourselves.
Thanks
What is the reasons of anger ? In other words where the anger comes from?