Acknowledging and understanding the early signs of anger can help us respond appropriately before it escalates.
Compassion and empathy for oneself and others are virtues that can counteract anger and guide more constructive responses.
Deep dives
The importance of tending to our emotions and regulating anger
Anger is a natural emotion that signals a need for change. It often arises when our expectations or needs are not met. Acknowledging and understanding the early signs of anger can help us respond appropriately before it escalates. Recognizing the physical manifestations, such as tense jaws or raised shoulders, can serve as a cue to address our emotions. It is also important to distinguish between pure anger and the mixing of other negative emotions, like sadness or fear. Practicing compassion, both for ourselves and others, can help regulate and transform anger into more constructive responses.
Learning from Achilles' cautionary tale
The story of Achilles in Homer's Iliad serves as a cautionary tale on the dangers of anger and uncontrolled emotions. Achilles' wrath is driven by deep hurt and the violation of his needs and expectations. He initially fails to manage his anger, leading to destructive actions borne out of extreme rage. However, as the epic unfolds, Achilles learns the importance of compassion and empathy. His encounter with Trojan King Priam, who mourns the loss of his son Hector, helps Achilles acknowledge his own grief. By showing compassion, Achilles gradually moves away from brutality and reconnects with his humanity.
Early intervention and mindful awareness
To effectively regulate anger, it is crucial to catch it early and become mindful of the bodily sensations associated with anger. Noticing physical changes, such as a tight jaw or raised shoulders, can act as cues for self-reflection. By cultivating self-awareness, we can identify the underlying causes of anger and address unmet needs or expectations. Furthermore, differentiating between anger alone and mixed emotions can guide our response and help us choose appropriate coping strategies.
Striving for balance and virtue
Achilles' story also emphasizes the value of virtue in regulating emotions. Virtue, understood as a striving towards balance, plays a crucial role in achieving emotional regulation. Compassion and empathy for oneself and others are virtues that can counteract anger and guide more constructive responses. By recognizing that our emotions are complex and multifaceted, we can work towards a healthier emotional balance and avoid falling into destructive patterns of behavior.
Achilles has anger issues. The great Greek warrior sits out most of the Trojan War because he's angrily sulking. When he finally enters battle, he does so in a fit of rage that causes him to commit atrocities and bring dishonor on himself.
So what can we learn from this angry character in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad? With the help of Harvard classics expert Greg Nagy and anger counsellor Dr Faith Harper, we look at how anger can creep up on us and what we can do to defuse this sometimes explosive emotion.