HEALTH by DR. LINDA MOORE
When the Anger in Our World Is Frightening, Turn to Self Examination.
When anger erupts in our world – political discord, demonstrations, and terrifying mass shootings – all exacerbated by the Covid pandemic – managing feelings on a day-to-day basis is challenging. Consequently, it’s important to examine in more depth what we feel. Our anger tells us “something is off” – not right, out of sync – and produces a need to do something. It’s a sensation that “biologically” motivates us to “fight, flee, or freeze” as a way to resolve the alarm bells. Today demands important self-examination – reflecting on how you handle and express anger. Outbursts don’t work. Stuffing the feelings doesn’t work. That leaves what’s genuinely difficult for most – Talking about it. Most of us need a “re-do” when it comes to managing angry encounters. The task, then, is to determine how and what to change. Start by reflecting on what you saw and learned growing up. How did the adults in your life manage anger? Think about your parents, an athletic coach, teachers, family friends, and neighbors. We, typically, one, copy what we saw and experienced, or, two, resolve to do something totally different.
SUMMER 2021 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 75
