Anger Management Yoga

July 7, 10:18 AMTampa Yoga ExaminerDanielle Hope Hier

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Tampa Yoga Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Credit: Danielle Hier

I have seen anger so explosive that the person began throwing things, and yelling in a fit of rage.  I have witnessed anger so withdrawn, that the person hid under the covers all day, crying.  I have experienced that angry being who always seemed to be sick, and it was because of something the world had done to them, or the one who was burnt out, and just plain tired.

Sadly, in at least one time in my life, I have been all of these people, and I would venture a guess that many of you out there would say the same thing.

In yoga discussion groups, often a student or teacher will say, "I know I shouldn't feel this way but --" and the "but" was followed by some "un-yoga-like" expression of anger.

Anger is a valid emotion, and to deny it, would be to deny being human.  What makes it "yoga-like" or "un-yoga-like" is in how we process anger.

Do we manage it, or does it control us?  Can we express it in a healthy way without becoming overly confrontational, or sinking into a state of depression?  Can we own that emotion and then let it go, instead of holding onto it for years at a time in an unforgiving manner?  And, can we come to understand why we become so angry, and learn to manage those triggers that send us to that state to begin with?

From a yoga standpoint, in a Hatha practice, students will often very clearly demonstrate that anger through their movements.  For the person in a fit of rage, he or she may move rapidly through poses, and become agitated by meditation.  Conversely, the withdrawn man or woman may arrive sluggish (if they opt to come to class at all), and seem overwhelmed at holding any challenging pose for more than a few seconds.

One way in which you might physically help to balance anger, is to tailor your practice to the expression of that emotion.

If you are temperamental, begin with rapid-flowing Sun Salutations, and gradually, begin to slow the transitions between one asana and the next, as your breath and heart rate begin to slow down.  Cool down with simple seated stretches, and end with deep breathing exercises, and relaxation.

If you are withdrawn, do the opposite.  Begin with relaxation and breath work, followed by light seated poses, and work your way through some standing poses that require you to build your energy. While most traditional practices end in Savasana, this is one time where you might opt to end by standing for several minutes in Mountain Pose.