Softening the Fire
The Sadness Beneath Anger
Since my last newsletter, life has offered me opportunities to become more intimate with anger. It’s a powerful, fiery emotion—sharp and energizing. Yet, beneath that heat, I've found heartbreak and sadness quietly waiting, revealing deeper layers of pain, disappointment, or unmet needs. By gently exploring the sadness underneath our anger, we create a space for healing. This month, I invite you to turn toward this tender place with compassion and curiosity.
In my journey, I've discovered an important distinction between healthy and harmful anger, which I've captured in the visual below:
One practice that has helped me uncover the sadness and unmet needs beneath my anger is journaling. I call it "Writing Through the Layers." Here’s how you can try it:
- Set aside 10-15 minutes with a journal.
- Begin with the prompt:Â What is my anger trying to communicate to me?
- Without judgment, let the pen flow. Allow yourself to be fully open to what emerges. As you dig deeper you may find that sadness and vulnerability surface, offering clarity and release.
Anger often serves as a signal, calling for our deeper attention. When we gently turn toward the sadness beneath it, we may find our anger beginning to soften, revealing a heart that yearns to be understood and loved. By staying with these tender emotions, we nurture self-compassion and healing.
This month, when anger arises for you, may you hold it with tenderness and curiosity as you uncover what lies beneath.
With warmth and care,
P.S. for educators: Want to reboot your teaching this Fall? I'm still offering a huge discount on the SEL Every Day Courses. You also have the option to earn 3-6 graduate credits.
A FILM FOR THIS MOMENT
With a pivotal election approaching, I'm excited to share that my husband Chihiro's film, RICOCHET, is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and more. The film traces a tragic incident in San Francisco that ignited a political and media firestorm, shaping our current political landscape. Two public defenders take on an impossible case to uncover the truth and fight for the rights of an innocent man.
Watch Today
PRONOUNCING NAMES CORRECTLY:
A CORE EQUITY PRACTICE
Mispronouncing a name might seem small, but it can have a big impact on belonging and identity. In my latest article, I share our family's journey advocating for my son's name to be honored and why it's an essential equity practice. I've also included some beautiful children's books that have been identity affirming for those with a similar South Asian identity with my son and me. Read more and let's build a world where every name is valued!
Read Today!
NOURISHING NEW BOOK
Embark on a transformative journey with Richard Brady's Short Journey Home: Awakening to Freedom with Thich Nhat Hanh, where Brady blends his life story with Thầy’s teachings to guide readers toward mindful living and self-discovery. Through vivid narratives and reflections, the book offers a roadmap to personal transformation, inviting readers to uncover their true selves through the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Get Book!
NEW PODCAST EPISODE
I'm excited to share that my episode of The Big Talk with Tricia Brouk is now live! This is a special moment as it’s the first time I’ve shared the full story of my journey as a speaker. We dive deep into the topic of Leading With Tenderness and what it means to lead from the heart, especially in challenging times
Listen Today!
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Honored to share that the organization I co-founded and lead, Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL), is one of the first mental health grantees of Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund. Over the years I’ve had the chance to meet Selena and on October 10th, World Mental Health Day, Sephora is donating 100% of Rare Beauty sales to the Rare Impact Fund. I'm a fan of their vegan, cruelty-free products, especially the Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream in the shade TRANSFORM.
Get Your Rare Beauty Products!
SUPPORT PARAMITA
I'm thrilled to uplift the work of my South Asian sisters, Kirthi and Prajna! Kirthi's film PARAMITA, sharing Prajna's journey of coming out to her mother, premieres this fall at the Mill Valley Film Festival. The film weaves Buddhist practices and intergenerational healing, and Kirthi needs support to complete it. Join me in bringing this vision to life
Donate Today!
Meena's NewsletterÂ
Offerings &Â insights from my heart to yours -Â delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
