Yoga and Anger

Yoga and anger has been a subject of debate and discussion for quite some time now.



Yoga therapy is very clear about some things, such as, life has its ups and downs. On any given day our emotions can seem like they are riding on an out-and-out roller coaster.



In fact, Yoga therapy stipulates that, anger is normally the result of hurt pride, unattainable expectations, or of repetitive hostile fantasies.

Besides getting one’s way, involuntarily one might use anger to blame others for one’s own shortcomings. This may be to justify oppressing others, to boost one’s own wilting egos, to cover up other feelings, or just to handle other emotions.



This happens just as one gets aggressive when afraid. Anger is a feeling acknowledging frustration or injury. One may not like what has happened and as a rule one would like to have one’s revenge. Yoga therapy tells us that anger is an emotional, physiological, cognitive internal state. Anger is separate from the behavior it may prompt.

Direct behavioral signs:

1. Attacking: physical and verbal viciousness, fury, hitting, pushing, kicking, threatening with arms, so on and so forth
2. Aggression: too critical, carping, teasing, insulting someone of having immoral or low traits or motives, pestering, complaining, mockery, derision, flashes of anger.
3. Hurtful: spiteful gossip, pilfering, seditious behavior.
4. Rebellious: disruptive, rebellious behavior, open insubordination, rebuffs to talk invitations.

Direct verbal or cognitive signs:

1. Out-and-out hatred and insults: "Hating another’s guts;" "getting really mad;" "Thinking the other extremely stupid."
2. Disdain and loathing: "You're a selfish person;" "You are a gutless wimp, you'll never amount to much in life."
3. Suspicious: "You are never fair;" "You cheat."
4. Blaming: "Everyone has been trying to make trouble for me."
5. Don't get the respect you deserve: "People just don't respect me any more."
6. Revengeful: "I really wish I could kill him."

Yoga therapy teaches us that all experiences point to the Self. Rather than be a victim of one’s own anger, you could become its student. As a result, your everyday life will provides you ample "chances" to breathe in your upset and awaken your heart.