Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, hostility or displeasure towards a person(s), a thing or even a situation. Though anger can be used as a healthy response to a threat and for other constructive purposes, on many occasions, it does get the better side of us-putting us into undesirable situations or troubles.
Getting angry is normal (it is human). However, overcoming or controlling anger is what most of us lack and that is where the problem is…Being anger free is a desirable option and this entails being able to control when and for how long you get angry.
I am sure you have heard the old story of a conversation that took place between a peaceful Master and a disciple.
After having been with his master for years and having noticed how his Master deals with situations and people, the disciple asked the master “how do you keep calm and anger free even when grossly provoked and pushed”.
The peaceful Master looked at the disciple and said “When you are hungry, eat; when you are tired, sleep.”
What? …The disciple who was unpleased with the answer said “isn’t that what everyone does anyway?”
The Master replied “No…Most people entertain a thousand desires when they eat and scheme over a thousand plans when they sleep. Their mind is dispersed, it’s all over”.
The above shows that, to be at peace with others, you must be at peace with yourself first. You must be able to control your mind and calm it to focus when needed.
When anger sets in, we act without thinking, we insult and we shout without being mindful. Such practices tell us that, in times of anger, we lose who we are, we lose control of our minds and let the anger take over our rational existence. Have you ever recorded yourself when angry to hear how you sound? You will be disgusted with the play back. And you won’t believe that was you!
For us to overcome anger or be anger free, we must be able to restrict our minds to concentrate and be mindful.
Being mindful is a strong antidote to anger. When you are mindful, you would be able to give yourself a quick pause and reflect on your soon to take action (controlling inner energy), even in times of despair.
The moment things get out of shape and you are about to confront an issue, being mindful becomes the calming and anger control tool.
If you are mindful-by considering what your actions or words would cause or bring, the anger will die off when you establish the awaiting repercussion.
When you get into the habit of being mindful, you would find it necessary, easy and smart to choose words and actions which would fetch you desirable consequence-something anger does not bring.
The moment you get angry, your mind begins to run all over with thousands of things to say or do. None of these things get the needed evaluation for you to be able to trash those you do not desire (as you will do when you are calm).
To be peaceful with yourself and others, practising mindfulness is the key…You start by being able to take control of your mind when you eat, by just thinking about the food for the time you are eating.
Being able to control your mind when things are cloudy will start a peaceful journey to your anger free life!
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