Constructive/Destructive anger.


What all of your responses seem to have in common is the recognition that constructive anger builds something of substance, while destructive anger merely tears something down.

In terms of anger management, constructive anger employs a surf-board, while destructive anger uses a club.


Anger and choice

When I experience anger, Thomas, it often feels involuntary. Anger is a lot like my other feelings that way.

What I am able to choose, however, is my relationship to feelings of anger, whether they be my own feelings or those of others.

As I have suggested in response to another post, I can choose either to "hang ten" on my waves of anger and ride them out, or to perpetuate my anger by using it as a club.



Anger surfing

This is a perfect illustraion, Wendie, of the distinction I make between hanging ten on one's anger and surfing it ashore, rather than using it as a club. 

Anger can be very empowering when it is not used as a force.