Ep #187: Read the Signal, Not the Story with Michael Henri

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.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:03:06 What Sadness Signals00:03:54 Vipassana Story: Missing Someone00:09:11 Neuroscience of Sadness (ACC/Insula)00:10:09 Power of Being Witnessed00:14:27 Numbing & Dorsal Vagal Shutdown00:16:11 Short Grounding for Sadness00:18:25 Shifting to Frustration00:24:01 Prediction Error & Dopamine Dip00:27:39 When Disagreement Triggers You00:29:10 Enter Anger: Boundary Energy00:31:06 Frustration vs. Anger (Definitions)00:32:37 Escape Room Example00:35:44 Integrating Questions00:39:40 Closing Meditation & Mantras—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Vipassana meditation (10-day silent retreat)Neuro notes: ACC/insula, prediction error, dopamine dipPolyvagal concepts: dorsal vagal shutdownMichael 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/—-------—-------—-Tags: sadness, frustration, anger, nervous system, dorsal vagal, witnessing, prediction error, dopamine, boundaries, breathwork, meditation, self-compassion, emotional regulation, yoga and emotions