ANGER & OUTRAGE

The following excerpt is from the self help
psychology book, Be Your Own Therapist.

It has become politically-correct these days to be outraged by this, that, or the other. Of course as a fundamentalist I am outraged by gays. Of course as a gay I am outraged by fundamentalists. Of course as a woman I am outraged by the white male patriarchy. Of course as an African-American I am outraged by racism. Of course I am outraged by the right-to-life movement/ abortion rights. Of course as a male I am outraged by some feminists.
Past Survey
Q: The aspects of anger I have difficulty with:
being around others' anger
getting angry when I am verbally attacked
recurring anger (similar situations)
allowing myself any anger at all
2 or more of the above
I have no problems with anger

View Results
Next Emotions Poll
My question for those so outraged is, "Do you like the feeling of outrage?". "Of course not," might be a typical response. Then why not explore the possibility of changing your response? "That's outrageous!", I hear you respond, outraged at a new target, this author. For the moment, I ask that you please just accept that outrage is an unhappy feeling.

Emotionally healthy adults, with respect to anger, are comfortable with anger and hatred, their own and others.

Outrage at particular people or groups always stems from a thought pattern of "they should not be ....". (And in almost all cases those "villainous" people or groups being judged think they are doing the right thing!) Outrage is a judging pattern that fails to accept reality as it is. In truth, those outrageous folks are that way. They just do not live up to my expectations.


Anger Tip. There are few "always" in therapy. Here is one of them: anger (including irritation, rage, hatred, etc.) is always based upon unfulfilled expectations. If I can let go of my expectations, I will not feel angry.


Next Excerpt  

Emotionally healthy adults are comfortable saying the words I love you to men, women, and children in a feeling way.

More Excerpts This Chapter
   EMOTIONAL HEALTH = MENTAL HEALTH
   ANGER AND OUTRAGE
   HOLDING ON TO THE RAGE
   ANGER KEEPS COMING BACK
   LOVE 1 2
   SADNESS
   FEAR
   STUCK FEELINGS
   SKEWED EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION IS RAMPANT


This Chapter's Quiz - (E-IQ Test)
Book Table of Contents  
Sexual Education Psychology

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