What if sadness, frustration, and anger weren’t problems—but instructions?
In this solo episode, Michael explores three everyday emotions—sadness, frustration, and anger—and shows how each one carries a message.
This episode doesn’t tell you to “feel better.” It asks better questions. Why does a heavy mood arrive out of nowhere? Why does a tiny obstacle spark a huge reaction? And what if that surge of heat isn’t “too much,” but a message you haven’t learned to read yet?
Across three familiar emotions—sadness, frustration, anger—you’ll be invited to listen in new ways, try small experiments, and notice what shifts when you don’t rush to fix or perform. No neat answers, just a clearer path: pause, pay attention, and let the body’s signals point to the next right step. If you’re curious about what your feelings are asking for, press play and find out.
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Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:06 What Sadness Signals
00:03:54 Vipassana Story: Missing Someone
00:09:11 Neuroscience of Sadness (ACC/Insula)
00:10:09 Power of Being Witnessed
00:14:27 Numbing & Dorsal Vagal Shutdown
00:16:11 Short Grounding for Sadness
00:18:25 Shifting to Frustration
00:24:01 Prediction Error & Dopamine Dip
00:27:39 When Disagreement Triggers You
00:29:10 Enter Anger: Boundary Energy
00:31:06 Frustration vs. Anger (Definitions)
00:32:37 Escape Room Example
00:35:44 Integrating Questions
00:39:40 Closing Meditation & Mantras
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📚 Mentions & Resources:
Vipassana meditation (10-day silent retreat)
Neuro notes: ACC/insula, prediction error, dopamine dip
Polyvagal concepts: dorsal vagal shutdown
Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/
Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/
Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/
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Tags: sadness, frustration, anger, nervous system, dorsal vagal, witnessing, prediction error, dopamine, boundaries, breathwork, meditation, self-compassion, emotional regulation, yoga and emotions
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