It’s almost a given that you will have to contend with some angry feelings every now and then. Whether it’s an injustice issue or you are simply having an off day contending with some frustration or intense stress, anger is something that we tend to face occasionally. Therefore, it’s important to take a look at this emotion and learn how to contend with it as it arises, so that it does not hurt you or anyone else when it does pop up.
What is anger?
Anger is an emotion that is comprised of much energy. An emotion is simply “energy in motion”, so when anger surfaces, you’re contending with a pent-up of energy that wishes to be expressed. Good news is that it can be expressed in a way that is healthy, leaving you (and others) in a wake of love and peace.
Have you ever lost your temper? Maybe you’ve shouted at your children or spouse and then felt terrible afterwards. The buildup of energy in the body can come out in ways that we are not proud of, but learning how to navigate and direct the world of emotions is possible. Our true nature at its core is full of peace, so if we can keep this in mind as we learn how to contend with anger, we’ll be one step closer to experiencing peace all the time.
Present moment living
When you feel anger, you’re feeling angry about something that has already passed. You’re angry about the past. In realising this, you can take a new perspective on the matter and begin living more in the present moment because when you’re focused on the present, the past is not going to be an indicator of your feelings.
For example, let’s say your child spilled grape juice on the carpet. You notice this and you immediately feel a buildup of energy in your body- and it’s not a happy energy. This anger that you feel rising may feel justifiable and it is real for sure, but the way you respond to that energy will make a big difference in your life (and your child as well). If you begin screaming at your child out of anger, the impact can be quite negative on the child and later on yourself, as you may struggle with guilt. But if you remember that the incident has passed (the actual spilling of the juice) and you focus on the present moment, you can better handle the incident calmly. (All will be alright. It’s not the end of the world. Stains do come out, etc.) Yes, you can certainly address the situation, but from an open heart that gets its direction from a reservoir of love instead of exploding like a volcano.
Living in the present moment can help all of us recognise emotions as energy and respond to them instead of react to them. This can occur by employing regular spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness, as these help to process and integrate energy buildup, leaving you feeling more relaxed and peaceful.
Breathe deeply
Deep breathing and meditation practices serve us well, as they are effective when it comes to staying calm and centered when stressful times come. Rush hour traffic? A centered person will focus on the present, perhaps staying aware of the breath, and being able to get through it with a peaceful and cheerful heart, whereas someone who is not centered may be steaming, cursing, and have a miserable ride.
Meditation works wonders when it comes to contending with anger. In fact, if you struggle with angry feelings about your past, take up a meditation practice regularly and watch how it helps you process and let go of such anger. The breath is powerful, so the more you can focus on it, the more at ease you will be. Anger does not have to have its way with you. Learn to manage anger, as well as other negative emotions, by staying present, focusing on the breath, regular meditation, and deep breathing. You’ll experience some great results!
Blessings,
K
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