It would be hard to argue that Anger is not a supercharging force. Like any untapped superpower, how we use or abuse that power says something about who we are deep beneath the skin. One of the weirdest things I’ve seen rise in the culture since about 2016 (you know what happened…) is that some self-help gurus have built “Rage Rituals” into their offerings. This is mainly targeted at women. The whole process is about “normalizing” rage and working in group settings to identify a pain you feel and purge it with Anger.
If you’re a Star Wars fan, try watching a few minutes of the video linked above. It’s basically just like a Sith mentorship session. “Let the hate flow through you”….”I can feel your anger, it gives you focus, makes you stronger.”
I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, recognizing the full range of your emotions and being able to name your feelings is a valuable practice. We talk often on Geeky Stoics about how Hate for someone may just be a mask for Jealousy, how Lust may be a mask for Loneliness, or how Anger may be a coverup for Fear. It is healthy to be mindful and know yourself.
I question though, whether it is truly healthy to open the door to Anger so enthusiastically. That’s part of why I made this video for Geeky Stoics on YouTube. I hope you enjoy it and find some application for it in your daily life.
“The cause of anger is the belief that we are injured; this belief, therefore, should not be lightly entertained. We ought not to fly into a rage even when the injury appears to be open and distinct: for some false things bear the semblance of truth. We should always allow some time to elapse, for time discloses the truth.”
― Seneca, On Anger
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