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Letting Go Of Negative Emotions

American writer and statesman Mark Twain was an intelligent man who did not suffer fools gladly. He used to write angry letters to newspaper editors and anyone that peeved him. When he completed a letter, he was only satisfied after placing it in his mailbox. His wife would take those letters out of the mailbox when he was asleep or wasn’t otherwise looking. She was obviously a wise woman, knowing he needed to release his frustrations, but also knew the damage that his scathing letters would do if they were actually delivered. Her solution solved the problem, allowing Twain to vent without raising ire. And apparently he never caught on.

Years ago, I started employing a similar technique during times of frustration or other negative emotions. I would type up a letter on my computer, or write it out by hand. The letter was addressed to the person that had triggered my state of mind (or more importantly, whom I had allowed to trigger that state). I would then read the letter over 2 or 3 times and either delete it or rip it up, depending on the medium, a couple of days later.

Had I not read somewhere that Twain’s wife did what she did, I might never have thought of my method. I had occasionally written “vent” letters in the past, for many years. But I’d never gotten rid of them. Which meant that if I stumbled across them later, it was like unfinished business, and the emotions sometimes resurfaced.

When I’ve actually employed this technique properly, it’s never failed me. It’s remembering to do it, and to get rid of the letter later, that takes practice. It works because it allows you to release anger or other negative emotions, which is a cathartic activity.

It’s not something we learn early enough in our life, but anger or frustration built up in your mind/ heart can hobble you emotionally, mentally, and physically. It’s done so for me many times, and only through discipline and practice in techniques like this can you let go of negative emotions. Drugs cannot solve this problem, despite the culture we live in, and despite the fact that doctors and pharmaceutical companies would tell you otherwise. Much older holistic practices, common sense, and Twain’s wife prove there are drug-free ways to relieve negative emotions.