Anger is natural and with kids it needs to be directed and channeled properly. If not anger can become rage later in life. It is important for parents to teach self discipline regarding emotional outbursts and reward good behavior. It is also important that they set good examples in how they react to stress and frustration.
Children learn about anger by watching parents. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program
The article, “14 proven techniques to help your child get control of their anger” by Kimberly Yavorski looks at ways parents can help their children manage their anger. She states,
“Be aware of your own anger. Studies show that parental emotions influence their children. If you think you don’t exhibit anger often, pay attention to how many times you yell or otherwise show anger (maybe keep a journal), noting what triggers it and how you react (yelling, punching the wall, hitting the steering wheel).”
Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management
Loss is something we live with all our lives. We do not escape it. Even when we adjust and think we are OK, feelings and emotions can return. Since grief is tied to love, then this makes total sense that one would never completely recover from loss and grief. Grief remains in our life as a reminder of our love.
What is a grief monster in your life? Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification
The term grief monsters has been used frequently to describe these jabs and stings of grief that come to one. The thoughts to reflect on the loss, or the stringing reminder of a loss due to a scent, scene or place, can all inflict old memories and emotions tied to them. Holidays, empty seats and songs can also remind us. How we deal and cope with these grief monsters is important. We cannot run from them or see them as something naturally evil, but something that will be with us our whole lives
The article, “Five Tips for Living With a Grief Monster” from “What’s Your Grief” by Eleanor Haley takes a closer look at living with grief monsters. She states,
“Grief monsters come from the loss, but don’t mistake them for the loss itself. They didn’t cause the hole left in your life, and they don’t relish in your pain. They’re simply what happens when the chaotic jumble of thoughts, emotions, and memories about the past, present, and future come together. ”
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.
Anger plays a pivotal role in the grief process. Kubler Ross places it as the second step in the grief process after denial. Of course, steps and phases are not science, many experience anger first as well, or even later, but anger definitely plays a role in the process. For some, this emotion is more present in a loss depending on one’s own particular emotional makeup or the facts surrounding the particular loss. Someone who may lose a person to a drinking and driving accident may experience more anger than one who loses someone to natural causes. Others who are naturally more angry with life may lash out regardless. Hence the amount and degree of anger in the grief process varies.
Anger nonetheless if felt is an important emotional release. If one feels angry over a loss, it is important to express that anger in a conducive and healthy way. If one lets anger remain dormant and does not express it, then the grief process itself can stalled. Grief Counselors should encourage all emotional expression to be exhibited in a safe and constructive way.
Anger is a natural part of grief. Grief Counselors should allow the bereaved to express it. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program, as well as its Anger Management Program
Here are some things to consider regarding the circumstances of anger during the grief cycle. First, anger over injustice is very common. If the loss was due to drunk driving, a malpractice case, a crime, a foreign attack, or a preventable accident, then anger usually expresses itself early. Later the anger is turned into social reform or the seeking of justice. In the recent deaths of George Floyd, we see constructive anger over the death of Floyd put to societal change and police reform. Second, anger over personal difficult relationships occur. A death can result in anger if the person deceased was not always the best person. An abusive spouse, or a conflicting individual can leave someone with guilt and anger. Some cases of anger are completely due to the person being felt left behind or alone. A struggling widow may have resentment to a husband who did not take his health seriously. Or in some cases, individuals may have resentment in how the person died. Family members who have to deal with the fallout of a suicide victim, may feel resentment and anger as well.
In all these cases, it is important that anger is expressed properly and allowed to surface. Anger itself is can damaging to someone who allows it to ferment within the soul. It can lead to future issues and poor health. Hence it is important for counselors to help it come out in individuals. After the anger is released, individuals can then discover why they are angry and dismiss potential guilt issues or surrounding beliefs about the death of the individual.
Grief Counselors should also be aware that those in intense grief and experiencing anger lash out at others. They displace their grief. Displaced grief and anger is very common. Those angry may lash out at a variety of things or persons. In most instances, the person closest receive the emotional rage, but in other moments, counselors and friends may also experience the anger. In some cases, God is a scapegoat for anger. Those in intense grief can blame God for a loss and even begin to question their own faith and world views.
It is not uncommon for existential crisis and questioning of world views to occur for those suffering intense grief. Meaning of life is questioned and anger at authority is common. Those of faith usually rebound but the initial anger is part of their process of comprehending and experiencing the grief. Grief Counselors in these cases do not enter into a logical or philosophical debate about their faith but instead patiently listen and allow the bereaved to express their anger at their faith, God, or world view. After the person is able to better comprehend the true essence of his or her anger is one able to regain rationality. Yet, still, this process is critical for many in the grief process.
Grief Counselors should never take personal attacks to heart. Instead they need to understand in their training the nature of displacement and how an individual sometimes utilizes anger in their pain. Friends and family should also be patient with those who lash out in intense grief and not take emotional words personally. Patients and love are key for the bereaved. After emotion is permitted to display itself, then true healing and understanding can begin to occur, but the time has to be on the bereaved terms.
Grief requires expression. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
Anger hence is an important part of the grieving process. It may be unpleasant but it has purpose towards healing. It brings one ultimately to rationality and allows counselors to see the pain that may be preventing healing. In many cases, anger is also healthy for social reform.
The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers a certification in Grief Counseling. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling. If interested, please review the Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. Also, please review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program. The program is based on similar grounds and is also open to qualified professionals.
Other resources
AIHCP’s video on Anger Management, please click here”
Grief and Sympathy article, “Anger Stage of Grief-It is Normal-How to Move on”, please click here
ADHD can put some into hyper modes that confuse. Spending is no different. ADHD time blindness can result in many unnecessary purchases as a person continues to buy. Uncontrolled impulsive spending can put great havoc and stress on finances. One is more focused on the present and without consequences of later. ADHD Consultants and other professionals can help an individual identify these triggers and issues.
Impulse spending and ADHD correlate with each other. Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consultant Program
Please also review AIHCP’s ADHD Consultant Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in ADHD Consulting.
Meditation, especially Eastern Meditation is originally Asian in origin from both China, India and other oriental nations. It is a stamp of not only faith but also cultural tradition and for some identity. Some Asian Americans find it to be crucial to life not only for health and faith but also identity.
Meditation can supply an escape from today’s social evils. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program
The article, “Why Meditation Is Crucial for My Joy and Resilience as an Asian American” by Kim Tai looks at how meditation can help Asian American communities find resilience and joy in life. She states,
“And if you are feeling trapped and afraid, know that you are not alone. I invite you to sit—with yourself, with me, with all your Asian siblings and ancestors—and know that resilience lives deep within you. Even if it’s unfair that we should need to be so resilient in the first place—that we, as a marginalized community, have had to continue to endure systemic oppression and discriminatory violence—we have still persevered.”
With racism and hate towards many Asian communities over Covid, many turn to meditation to find solace. Any nationality can find solace in meditation though. With shootings, division and turmoil in the country, meditation can be an inward escape from the chaos, not just for Asian Americans but all Americans
Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor
One of the biggest problems in care is cost. Long visits and efficient care increase any cost. Sometimes hospital visits can become so long that cost is driven up immensely. This may be sometimes necessary but in other cases, better coordination can prevent unneeded lengthy stays that increase cost and insurance issues.
Prolonged stays at hospitals albeit necessary can sometimes become issues cost wise. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program
Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Case Management.
How one copes is key to loss adaptation. Resiliency depends on coping strategies and the ability to incorporate them. This is far from easy and one must still walk the path of grief but proper coping can help one stay on the path and avoid potential complications within the grieving process.
How well do you cope with grief? Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your professional goals
The article, “Dealing With Grief: 7 Coping Strategies, According to Experts” from Madeleine Burry of Healthline looks at 7 strategies that one can employ during grief and loss. She states,
“You may not think about them this way, but you already use coping strategies in your day-to-day life—such as that extra-hard workout to relieve stress after a tough work deadline, or the phone call you make to a friend when your child is acting up and driving you crazy. So when you’re grieving, experts advise that you lean on coping strategies too; they’ll help you weather the storm of emotional distress and physical symptoms associated with grief.”
How well one copes will greatly benefit one throughout life in any setting. Grief is no exception
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a grief counselor.
Improving meditation is key to successful results. Many meditate without many of its benefits due to poor technique. Poor technique may be due to posture, breathing or focus. It may also be due to when and where one meditates or how one successfully navigates distractions. It is important for successful meditation results to properly follow meditative instructions as taught. Many learn from meditation instructors or are continually guided in their progress until they are able to meditate without aid.
Meditation requires focus and practice of that focus. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program
Meditation should not be a chore or difficult but should be something that one finds relaxing and looks forward to. If one is forcing meditation or not as passive as one needs to be, then one is not experiencing the true peace and calm meditation can provide.
The article, “4 ways to improve focus through meditation” from Koelsh Communities of the Seattle Times looks at ways to improve focus and meditation. The article states,
“Meditation can help improve your focus by reducing stress, improving mental agility, and helping you feel calmly in control of your thoughts. Rather than struggling and getting agitated when your focus seems off, through meditation, you’ll learn to calmly redirect your mind and find peace within your body.”
If you are experiencing difficulties with focus, please review our blog. Also if you are looking to learn more about becoming a Meditation Instructor, then please review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor.
Ignatian spirituality is an excellent way of experiencing God and prayer in one’s daily life. In essence it is very intellectual and Christo-centric. Christ is the center of all and service is essential to the church and community. Meditation within the tradition is also Christo-centric and focuses on visualization on the life of Christ. This focus on Christ helps many through various therapies, especially in grief. The steps within Ignatian review of conscience can be important in helping individuals analyze their life itself
Ignatian spirituality makes one look deeper at self. It can help with various cognitive therapies through this exercise. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification
The article, “How Ignatian spirituality enhanced my cognitive behavioral therapy” by Sue Do looks closer at the cognitive benefits of Ignatian spirituality and meditation on recovering from loss and grief. The article states,
“In the five steps of the Examen prayer of St. Ignatius, I found the “reviewing of my day” to be a crucial part of my resilience and recovery. Facing my struggles and talking about it to God through journaling is similar to confronting my distorted thoughts in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Positive affirmations are similar to the awareness of one’s needs and asking for graces in Ignatian spirituality.”
Ignatian spirituality is a very disciplined and precise spirituality that looks to find Christ but also helps to better oneself in deeper analyzation to find weakness within the soul. His exercises and meditation all help lead to a stronger Christian life
Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Christian Counselor.
Meditation is extremely healthful. It has been proven in multiple studies that is reduces stress and stress response hormones in the body. This reverses multiple stress induced damage to the body. Furthermore, it helps the mind be more alert and mindful. These mind and body health reasons are enough for many to wish to learn meditation but many whether spiritual or secular struggle with meditation. They have a difficult time mastering it. This blog article looks to point out a few helpful hints and strategies to help others mediate more effectively from a health point of view only.
Tips to properly meditate can help you maximize your meditation experience. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program
Meditation Instructors can teach their students many ways to better meditate and find mindfulness, peace and reduced stress. The first step is finding a place to meditate. Many suggest a quiet place free from outside noise and distractions. Some places may be outdoors while others may be indoors. Some even create their own meditation room equipped with lighting and calming sounds. These are all excellent ways to help the body relax and allow the inner healing of meditation to take place.
Position is also key. Many recommend sitting but with a straight posture. If one is too comfortable, then they may fall asleep. Some may very well use meditation or like states to fall asleep but this not the purpose of mental meditation. One is to be relaxed but is to recharge the mind not so much the body. This is why it is good to meditate when one is not overly fatigued or just ate. Instead one should become comfortable and relaxed but not to the point of falling asleep. Comfort to the body is key through proper temperature and sound to set the proper mood for the mind to find peace without distractions beyond falling asleep.
Breathing is one of the most fundamental aspects of meditation. Breathing from the stomach is critical. These deep breathes refresh the body and lungs. They also create a rhythmic function of breathing in and out. Breath is key to life in Eastern Meditation and without proper breath work, then meditation cannot be successful. One should be able to breath multiple times to relax the body and reduce stress. One should also focus on the breath as it enters the nostrils and is exhaled through the mouth. Focus on the breath physically but also how it gives the body life. One should focus on every element of the body from head to toe and visualize the body becoming relaxed with each set of breaths.
In addition to breathwork, mantras play a key role in focus. The words keep one focused and should correlate with the breathwork. Two part phrases or sacred words can be utilized as well as words that are conducive to good health. Which ever word chosen, it needs to have special meaning to anchor one into the meditation event. Mantras and sacred words can help individuals maintain the importance of focus.
Many who meditate deal with distractions. They are upset when the distractions occur. While breathwork and mantras help one return to focus, it is important to not over fret about distractions and thoughts that may enter into the mind. Instead, friendly dismiss them and return to the focus of the mantra or breathing. They may return, but try to remain mindful of the moment and of the meditation itself.
Meditation can has many physical benefits when properly done. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program
Those who seek to control the meditation session, or actively will certain states or thoughts or feelings miss the whole entirely and purpose of meditation. Meditation is passive and is open to what may flow into the mind and it is accepting. As the body calms and the world becomes more quiet, the mind can better hear. For those who are only secular, the mind becomes more sharp. It is better able to remember, organize and remain mindful of the moment. For those who are spiritual it gives one an awakening with the divine.
Whether religious or secular, the mind and body health benefits of meditation are undeniable. The tips above can help individuals properly prepare themselves physically as well as properly guide them through the meditative process with a more calm, passive and peaceful mind. The end results will clearly help individuals in their overall health but also their various life professions and relations with others.
If you would like to learn more about meditation, then please review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor. If one is religious or secular the program will help one learn the necessary skills and knowledge to not only improve oneself but also to guide others in meditation. Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.
Other resources on Meditation
“Mindful” has an excellent article on “How to Meditate” Please click here
Please review Healthline’s article, “5 Benefits of Metta Meditation and How to Do It” by Kirsten Nunez. Please click here
Please review AIHCP’s closer look at meditation its video, “Foundations of Meditation”. Please click here
