Thinking about anger

I was thinking about anger today when a friend posted elsewhere about how anger is being maligned so that people are marked as characterological defects…she posted something from Teal Swan…a young woman guru who really sticks her neck out…

I said in response (with a bit of editing for this site):

our relationship with anger is gravely and dangerously messed up. It’s not really safe to share it anywhere these days in a world where positivity is in demand and all else is off the table as spiritually inept. This is of course generally not wise as the whole human spectrum of emotion must be respected. When people feel muzzled despair arises. Silencing is dangerous as it makes the anger arise in more toxic ways.

Many people are highly critical of Teal Swan (she’s been the subject of many anti-guru controversies) though it’s clear to me she also brings up very important topics no other guru dares touch. Things that trauma brings up and people like to pretend doesn’t matter… I’m not a fan of gurus in general but I do think she’s brave. I’m also not a fan of hers but I love her and hope the best for her.

Women who dare to be real are always dangerous. When white women start dealing head-on with capitalism, racism and our colonial past, I’ m more likely to get on board. She really doesn’t address societal issues.

Most people have good reason to be angry. We live in a culture of abuse and trauma and we’ve all been hurt. We also see a world where forces that are much bigger than us are hurting many 1000s and millions of people all over the world and we are watching as our world and planet is being destroyed. So many good reasons to be angry, yes. And so many good reasons to be totally and completely aware of what is going on around us.

More: The anger and rage collection

• You can’t heal what you don’t feel
• It is an abandonment of self to not feel  

and

On the guru concept

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