With the ongoing genocide in Gaza as a harrowing backdrop, I join Wes, Joel, Ben for an exploration of anger’s vital role in our emotional landscape. While traditional NVC views anger as a product of distorted thinking, this episode challenges this perspective by examining anger as a legitimate emotion that provides valuable information about both our internal and external reality.
We examine the limitations of and contradictions in viewing anger solely through the lens of cognitive distortion. While our thinking patterns influence our emotional responses, external circumstances and legitimate violations of our needs can also trigger anger. This nuanced understanding helps us:
- Distinguish between reactive patterns and valid emotional responses
- Avoid the trap of excessive self-doubt about our anger
- Maintain both emotional authenticity and critical discernment
This episode highlights the necessity for a clear-eyed assessment of reality, offering a more complete and non-contradictory understanding of anger.