Anger Unmasked: Protective Anger
Anger has gotten a bad wrap!
“Anybody can become angry—that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.”
Aristotle
When we initially hear the word anger, there is an automatic response and mental image that comes with it. It could be as subtle as someone with a red face, gritted teeth, and hands clenched in a ball. There is also a chance it is more specific: a family member screaming at the top of their lungs and spewing hateful words our way. We may be provoked to fear, but equally plausible is that we may respond with an anger of equal or greater intensity out of defensiveness. Many of us, however, don’t immediately think of anger in a positive light. There is no bad emotion, though—only inappropriate responses. This means that anger in and of itself is not bad, and it has a specific purpose.
One job of anger is its ability to protect us. By design, we have a central nervous system that responds to predators and danger. It is something intrinsic to every human being. When we experience anger, our body reacts. We become more attentive to threats, and our focus is sharpened. This is a positive reaction in the event that we are experiencing a true threat or are being attacked. Our natural biology gives us the ability to defend ourselves through quick and forceful action.
There are 10 additional ways that anger is beneficial in our lives. The second will be discussed in the next blog post. During this 10-part series, please remember that when utilized in the most advantageous way, anger provides a great deal of helpful information that will allow us to navigate situations and adapt.