Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, and renowned teacher of mindfulness and meditation.

“Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your consciousness. When you feel it coming, turn your focus to your breath.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

Context and Background

Thich Nhat Hanh has often spoken about the importance of mindfulness and meditation in managing emotions like anger. In his teachings, he encourages people to cultivate a peaceful, aware state of mind that allows them to process emotions without letting them overwhelm or control their actions. The quote suggests that anger can be a powerful and disruptive force, but by focusing on something as simple as breathing, individuals can regain control and prevent anger from taking over.

Thich Nhat Hanh’s philosophy of mindfulness encourages observing emotions without judgment, which allows for a deeper understanding and release of negative feelings. The act of focusing on one's breath is often a key tool in mindfulness practice, as it helps center the mind and calm emotional turbulence.

Interpretation

• “Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your consciousness” — Thich Nhat Hanh compares anger to a force of nature, something that arises unexpectedly and can be overwhelming, originating from deep within the mind.

• “When you feel it coming, turn your focus to your breath” — suggests that conscious breathing acts as an anchor, offering a way to interrupt the storm of anger before it takes full control. By focusing on your breath, you can create a space between the initial feeling of anger and your response to it, allowing you to choose a more peaceful reaction.

Summary

Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote offers a mindful approach to anger — recognizing it as a natural emotional response while providing a practical technique to manage it. Breathing becomes a tool of awareness and control, offering a way to step back from the intensity of emotions and bring oneself back to a centered, peaceful place.