Do you get angry? Of course you do, it is a natural human emotion. Can you manage this emotion (frustration, anxiety, stress), or do you sometimes become a BEAST?
Being
Easily
Angered (and)
Saying (or doing)
Terrible things
Thinking of oneself as a beast may seem a little extreme, however acting like one can cause extreme consequences.
Many methods have been taught regarding anger management. I have chosen to share with you one main tenant, or way to "tame the BEAST." This is a serious subject, but it helps if one can bring some levity to it which aides in being able to honestly look at one's behavior in a non-judgmental way (to laugh at oneself if need be). It is also important to keep the methods simple and accessible.
In setting the stage or foundation for the first step we will consider the perspective or character of a warrior, a generous, ethical, patient, enthusiastic, focused and wise person.
The tool (sword), of this warrior is forged from awareness, which is the first step in quelling or taming the beast.
Awareness--A warrior going into battle or even at rest for that matter is always ready, alert and aware of their surroundings. They must be in order to defend themselves and their domain. I am not talking about picking a fight, or condoning carrying weapons (especially for a person with true anger issues), so please do not misunderstand the analogy. That being said, the warrior is focused, using "bare awareness" with all senses, as they patrol the perimeter of their space.
An example of bare awareness using the visual sense would be looking at the objects around you. If the warrior were patrolling a wooded area he/she would look at the shape of the trees, scanning, not thinking "there is a tree, a pine tree and I wonder if anyone is in the woods." She/he would just notice the outline of the trees while they moved in a slow purposeful and relaxed fashion. If someone or something comes out of the woods or there is any movement at all they are going to notice it, whether it is by sight, sound or vibration.
The sword is really a symbol for this awareness, for cutting through all the obstacles to being focused, relaxed and having self-discipline. The sword represents a calm, clear and trained mind.
With a mind like that you can't help but have self-discipline, or the ability to choose your actions at any moment. If someone came running out of the woods and started screaming at the warrior it could go two ways.
An undisciplined person would start swinging the sword (words, fists or other weapons), and reap the consequences of such action. The warrior (disciplined person) would continue to use bare awareness, and observe the screaming persons actions. in a non judgmental way. The warrior would not be thinking "Oh this jerk deserves to die for threatening me." his/her mind would be at rest just evaluating the threat level and then "choosing" an appropriate response, not just acting out of habit. But now we have moved into the second step, action. Look for this step explained in another article, and in the mean time practice bare awareness as much as possible.
Copyright 2012, Laura Folk - How To Control Anger
My site offers literature and services that assist people in resolving anger/conflict issues using meditative methods such as formal meditation, mindfulness practices, biofeedback and more.
Visit my website Mindful Living Now and enjoy.
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