The Weight of Suppressed Anger vs. Present Anger

[Kati]

Is it just me or is it harder to heal suppressed emotions than the ones I feel in the moment?

For me, this shows up for example with suppressed anger.

When I feel anger in the moment, it’s so much easier to work with. I can notice it, breathe through it, even express it in a healthier way. Since I’ve started practicing Qigong, I’ve noticed I’m less passive-aggressive and more able to show “clean,” direct anger instead of burying it. That kind of anger actually feels constructive and protective.

But suppressed anger—the old stuff I pushed down years ago—feels completely different. Working with it feels much harder than with fresh emotions, almost like dealing with a shadow instead of something right in front of me.

I wonder if it’s because back then I didn’t have tools like Qigong, so the anger just got stored up inside me.

For those of you on your own healing journey:

Do you also find it harder to process old, suppressed anger than anger in the moment?

What helps you truly release it, instead of just re-experiencing it?
 

 

[Cobie]

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Edited August 28 by Cobie

[Nungali]

If you deal with it in the moment , it does not embed .  Embedded anger needs a  different / deeper approach .  Often in can result in physical manifestations  like  areas of pain and sensitivity in the muscles, joints etc .   therapy and work on those can often release ( bring to consciousness )  the issue . But one might find it harder to release without this 'physical therapy ' aspect .

 

Some type of body work in concert with proper  counselling  might help  . 

 

 

[Krenx]

Feelings WILL arise on it's own, due to past conditions. And they arise in ways we cannot control. Hate/ Anger is one of the many feelings that arise. 

You mention "present" feelings. They may feel like feelings triggered by present circumstances, or created in the moment. But make no mistake, it was conditioned by past views, habits, and past associations far before the present. There is not much one can do to prevent the feeling from arising. 

The practice is not to stop feelings from arising. That is not in our present control. Suppression in fact gives it momentum, gives hit more places to hide. 

The practice is to develop the SKILL to restraint our actions despite the feeling. To not act out on it unwholesomely. Face the feelings and see it for what it is, and not choke on its pressure. Make effort to not act out on it. 

Feelings has to arise, it is its nature to arise when conditions are ripe. It is not at fault, it cannot "not" arise. Feelings are blameless. The blame lies on our decisions to ACT on it. That is where our responsibility lies, the gate of action. 

The spiritual practice like Qi gong, helps with the skill, to give us more space between the arising feeling, before it turns into a pressure that becomes uncomfortable/ unbearable. And with that space, you have more wiggle room and perspective to see things clearly, and not act out. 

How does it help? Because during our practice, all kinds of feelings arise. But while those feelings exist, we practice restraint and continue the harmless movements of body and energy. Allowing it to become and change, but restraining our action. 

So see feelings rise and fall for years, and slowly see its traps. Gradually see it for what it is. Not blaming it, not resisting it, making effort not to act out on it. That way the conditions for its existence weakens, and gradually falls away. 

Hope this helps. 

[Kati]

18 hours ago, Nungali said:

If you deal with it in the moment , it does not embed .  Embedded anger needs a  different / deeper approach .  Often in can result in physical manifestations  like  areas of pain and sensitivity in the muscles, joints etc .   therapy and work on those can often release ( bring to consciousness )  the issue . But one might find it harder to release without this 'physical therapy ' aspect .

 

Some type of body work in concert with proper  counselling  might help  . 

 

 

yes i do sense it needs body work when i want to focus on trapped emotions

[Sanity Check]

When I think of the past, all I remember are the positives and the good.

 

What does it mean to suppress anger?  

 

Anger correlates with me being foolish & doing things I regret. 

 

Anger is an irrational emotion leading to irrational choices.

 

Recognizing these fundamental principles.

 

It becomes easier to let go of anger and embrace things which might do some good for the world.