I have never been comfortable with expressions of anger, but I am working toward personal acceptance. Learning to appreciate anger is not a simple task. I suspect it is not at the top of most people’s agenda. As someone who values peace, positive resolution, and respect, it would seam ironic that anger has worked its way onto my character development repertoire.
I have built my life upon values that banish anger and promote peaceful resolution and yet I come to realize that anger is part of the spectrum of healthy emotion. I have also come to realize that anger is force to be reckoned with; a force that can be used for good instead of evil. Anger when strong enough can fuel the movement toward positive change. I would much rather rein and direct the power of anger toward effective growth than remain hurt and in pain over something I can do nothing about. I am quickly discovering that anger when properly harnessed can be far more effective and powerful than perhaps any other emotion we can feel.
Love is indeed another powerful emotion one which binds us together and protects us. It holds us close to one another and meets our need to belong to others. It moves us toward peace and in action against loss. Yet, anger is what motivates our intense passions and power to change. It is the power to turn pain into action. Anger can be healthy when it is used for intense purpose; to remove pain and suffering and protect and serve ourselves and others. I can imagine that all great social movements were born out of love, passion and just enough anger property directed to create and sustain action leading to enduring positive change.
