The Context
Our emotions are staircases that drop us down to more meaningful places. What’s interesting is, this creative strategy can be applied to our psychological life as well. Consider anger. It’s the emotion with perhaps the worst reputation in history. Its destructive powers have led to crime, divorce, violence, sickness, suicide, wars and some of the worst movie sequels that ever graced the silver screen. But the lesson we’re never taught in school is, anger is the ember of initiative. It’s meant to be listened to and acted upon.
The Tool
Staircasing
STAIRCASING — Giving yourself permission to channel complicated emotions into useful results
We do ourselves a disservice when we feel guilty about experiencing this particular emotion. What’s healthier and more useful is to accept anger’s invitation. To dig down deep below the surface reactions and see how many interesting pearls of creativity and initiative and agency we can unearth. Consider the positive power of anger, for example. It's the emotional staircase that takes us down to more interesting places. Wisdom, truth, insight, innovative ideas, they're all waiting for you at the bottom of the steps.
The Rest
Prolific creators never waste an angry mood. Follow that vibe and see where it takes you. Are you doing yourself the disservice of feeling guilty about being angry?
The Benefits
Deepen connection will all feelings
Use your emotional life as creative inspiration
Reach catharsis accepting all our feelings
Overcome guilt about our difficult feelings