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.

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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