Stoicism and Managing Anger: A Shamanic Approach to Healing Trauma

Core Concepts

Stoicism offers a unique perspective on managing anger, suggesting that true power lies in controlling our responses to external triggers, and sometimes, healing requires confronting and releasing deeply rooted anger through unconventional methods.

Abstract

This article delves into the Stoic philosophy of anger management and introduces a compelling anecdote about a woman named Morgan.

Stoicism and Anger

Contrary to the common misconception that Stoicism advocates for suppressing emotions, it emphasizes accepting the uncontrollable nature of external events and focusing on what we can control - our responses. This control forms the basis of personal power, particularly when dealing with anger.

A Shamanic Intervention

The article highlights the story of Morgan, who struggled with managing anger stemming from an abusive past. Despite years of therapy, she continued to harbor rage. Her healing journey took a turn when she consulted a shaman who was also a psychiatric nurse. This detail is crucial as it blends traditional healing with modern medicine.

The Unseen Path to Healing

Although the article doesn't elaborate on the shaman's methods, it suggests that his approach helped Morgan confront and potentially release her deeply ingrained anger. This anecdote underscores that healing from trauma and managing anger can sometimes require unconventional approaches.

Stats

Morgan had been in therapy for more than 20 years.

Quotes

"A common misunderstanding of Stoic philosophy is that it teaches us to clamp down on emotion, with the goal of enduring any hardship."
"However, a more realistic understanding is that Stoicism compels you to accept that you cannot control what others do to you. What you can control is your own response. The extent of your self-control corresponds with your personal power."
"When you are wronged, it’s only natural to feel anger and desire revenge. The question is: how do you control your anger — especially justifiable rage?"

Key Insights Distilled From

Anger: A Stoic Challenge

by Gloria Leshe... at medium.com 10-17-2024

https://medium.com/a-little-stoic-wisdom/anger-a-stoic-challenge-9bc72be5638b

Deeper Inquiries

How can Stoic practices be integrated with other forms of therapy to address anger management?

Stoic practices can be powerful tools when integrated with other forms of therapy for anger management. Here's how this synthesis can work:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Stoicism: CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to unwanted emotions like anger. Stoicism complements this by providing a framework for accepting what we cannot control (external events, others' actions) and focusing on what we can (our thoughts, judgments, and reactions). This combined approach helps individuals challenge anger-inducing thoughts and replace them with more rational and constructive ones, aligning with the Stoic principle of focusing on our sphere of influence.
Mindfulness and Stoicism: Mindfulness practices, like meditation, encourage non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, including emotions. This aligns with the Stoic practice of recognizing and acknowledging feelings without letting them dictate our actions. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can observe their anger arise without immediately reacting to it, creating space for choosing a more measured response.
Trauma-Informed Therapy and Stoicism: For anger rooted in past trauma, integrating trauma-informed approaches is crucial. While Stoicism emphasizes acceptance and control over reactions, it's essential to address the underlying trauma. Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused CBT can help process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge. Once the intensity of the trauma is addressed, Stoic principles can be incorporated to develop healthier coping mechanisms and responses to triggers.
By blending Stoic principles with these therapeutic approaches, individuals can gain a more comprehensive set of tools for managing anger. This integrated approach allows for a deeper understanding of the root causes of anger, the development of healthier coping strategies, and the cultivation of greater emotional regulation.

Is suppressing anger, even if justified, always the healthiest approach, or are there situations where expressing it constructively is necessary?

While Stoicism emphasizes managing our reactions, including anger, it doesn't advocate for suppression. Suppressing emotions can be detrimental in the long run, potentially leading to unhealthy emotional outbursts or internalization. The key lies in transforming our relationship with anger rather than simply suppressing it.
Here's a nuanced perspective:

Unhealthy Expression: Outbursts, aggression, or holding onto resentment are unhealthy expressions of anger. These reactions often harm ourselves and others and don't address the root of the issue.
Constructive Expression: There are times when expressing anger constructively is necessary. This involves:

Assertive Communication: Clearly and calmly communicating your needs and boundaries when they've been violated.
Problem-Solving: Focusing on finding solutions and addressing the underlying cause of the anger.
Self-Reflection: Examining the anger to understand its root and what it might be teaching you about your values and needs.
Stoicism encourages us to pause before reacting, allowing us to choose a response that aligns with our values and leads to a more favorable outcome. This might involve:

Cognitive Distancing: Taking a step back from the immediate situation to gain perspective and avoid impulsive reactions.
Reframing: Challenging our interpretations of events and considering alternative perspectives that might lessen the anger.
Focusing on What We Can Control: Shifting our energy towards actions and solutions within our control, rather than dwelling on what we cannot change.
Ultimately, the goal is not to be emotionless but to develop a healthy relationship with anger. This involves recognizing its presence, understanding its message, and choosing how we respond in a way that aligns with our values and promotes well-being.

If our experiences shape our responses, how can we break free from the chains of past trauma and react to situations with more agency and less reactivity?

Breaking free from the chains of past trauma and responding with more agency requires a multifaceted approach that combines self-awareness, emotional regulation techniques, and often, professional guidance. Here's a breakdown:

Acknowledge and Validate: The first step is acknowledging the impact of past trauma on your present reactions. Understand that your responses are not inherently "wrong," but rather adaptations developed to navigate challenging experiences. Validate your feelings and experiences.

Seek Professional Help: Trauma-informed therapy is crucial. Therapists can provide a safe space to process traumatic memories, develop coping mechanisms, and challenge maladaptive thought patterns that stem from the trauma.

Cultivate Self-Awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of your triggers – the people, places, or situations that evoke strong emotional responses connected to the trauma. Journaling, mindfulness, and body awareness practices can help you identify these triggers and understand their impact on you.

Emotional Regulation Techniques: Equip yourself with tools to manage emotional intensity. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help soothe the nervous system and create space between the trigger and your reaction.

Reframing and Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that stem from the trauma. Cognitive restructuring techniques, often used in CBT, can help you identify and replace these thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.

Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals who can offer empathy and encouragement as you navigate the healing process.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be patient and kind to yourself. Healing from trauma takes time and effort. Acknowledge your progress and celebrate small victories along the way.

Remember, breaking free from the chains of past trauma is a journey, not a destination. It's an ongoing process of self-discovery, healing, and growth. By actively engaging in these steps, you can gradually reclaim your agency, respond to situations with greater awareness and choice, and create a more empowered and fulfilling present.