The Dance of Anger (by Harriet Lerner, Ph.D.)

I’ve been reading The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner, Ph.D. This is an older book written by a credentialed author that I wish I could share with all adults—male and female.

Even though this book was originally intended as a woman’s guide, that is simply no longer true.

I think this book provides a mindful approach to anger for all. In addition, I find that this book explains the intricacies of anger that we don’t often hear.

In fact, it seems most are not taught these details about anger, even when we ask a counselor or a therapist to teach us about anger. That is why I consider this book valuable.

The Dance of Anger is helping us understand one of the most vital things that most of us struggle through. Even if one only feels anger on a rare occasion.

Especially when it comes to proceeding through anger with those closest to us—those we love, those we are related to, those who raised us.

Because our early teachings are rarely enough. And, as adults, we’re responsible for exposing ourselves to sound academic and clinical knowledge to help ensure a well-educated mind.

So we can succeed amidst great difficulty.

And we all deserve to move through anger healthfully. We all deserve to experience the peace and goodness that can bring.

For instance, I might use my mindful skills to process feelings of anger, and that might work great for me, but that doesn’t mean I understand anything about anger beyond that.

The Dance of Anger takes me beyond that, showing me how to witness anger, plus what I can do to find clarity and create soundness. Simply and repetitively. With real-life examples.

I’ve already found that this book makes it much easier in the most challenging moments.

And I love that Dr. Harriet Lerner shares her personal experiences with anger—her vulnerabilities—so we can see the person behind this guidance. We can see where Dr. Lerner struggled, too.

To me, this book is from a credentialed expert sharing her academic and clinical knowledge in an easy-to-understand way. Along with her personal experiences. This is meaningful to me.

Best of all, after reading The Dance of Anger (and I think it’s an easy read), we get to enjoy adventuring forth with newfound skills.