Anger as a Protective Force

When I finally turned to Anger, she screamed “You only let me speak when I’m exploding! And then you get upset because I don’t say it perfectly! You don’t trust me so I don’t trust you!” Shame, curiosity, worry, everyone gasped. Anger was right.

After that day we gathered around the fire more often, and made sure Anger got to speak first. She had been sidelined for so long, at first she didn’t believe it, but in time she felt relieved. Fear realized that Anger was her greatest protector, and she wasn’t actually alone. Grief realized that as Anger got to flow, she could flow more freely as well. Again and again parts realized they could not be separated, and needed one another to be well.

I’ve heard many teachers talk about how the theme of an offering works on them in the time leading up, and I certainly feel that way about this Sunday’s theme: Anger. In the past few weeks I’ve been reminded in multiple ways that anger can be a fiercely protective force.

Anger is not only a natural emotion, it is a source of protection, clarity and power that oppressed people are systematically cut off from by design. Anger often arises to confront injustice or harm. The scene above is from a visualization I began developing in late 2020, where we gather around a fire and converse with our parts. Allowing anger to speak and be seen offers unforseeable healing; if you’re in Brooklyn and identify as BIPOC, join us on April 21st.