UPBUILDING THE SELF

Anger Management

What is anger? Where does it come from? What can we do about it?

For many people, no matter how destructive anger can be, it’s all too easy to fall prey to its temptation. As a follow-up to The Seduction of Anger podcast, Michael and Rasanath explore the nuances of this emotion from fresh perspectives. They dive into their personal lives and give examples to break down why, even after having worked on their self-awareness for many years, anger still comes up. They explain the physical origins of anger, the different types of anger responses, the deeper emotions that are often underneath anger, and the dangers of living with unresolved anger. Rasanath closes by sharing how we can gain understanding even if we can’t get it from the person we wish we could receive it from.

Podcast Hosts: Michael and Rasanath

Highlights

  • [2:10] The Seduction of Anger

  • [3:20] Understanding our relationship with the emotion

  • [4:10] Why anger exists?

  • [6:40] Amygdala Hijack

  • [7:50] Anger as an experience of the body

  • [10:00] Anger as a result of a violation

  • [13:00] The concept of fairness and the Levels of Consciousness

  • [20:50] The sadness behind anger

  • [25:10] Am I living with unresolved anger?

  • [28:00] Three unhealthy ways of dealing with anger

  • [31:10] What to do if we need to work on our anger

  • [36:40] The need for understanding

Quotes

  • “Anger is indicative that something has been violated.” -Rasanath

  • “Anger is a concentrated experience. It feels like all the force is in one place.” -Rasanath

  • “While we might experience anger coming from the mind…it’s actually an experience of the body…” - Michael

  • “The anger masks the sadness…the reason is because it makes me feel very vulnerable.” -Rasanath

  • “Because we see anger as a bad emotion…asking for support or help…can be extra difficult.” -Michael

  • “Once we acknowledge anger, it creates the pause between the stimulus and the response” -Rasanath

For first timers, welcome to Upbuilding the Self

About the podcast: Two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.