Getting wise to anger

Anger can really damage our lives.

- PETER CLARK

Anger can really damage our lives. While some think it is a tool to get what they want, they little realise that in fact the anger is ruling them. Anger does not make anyone feel great, but it can become addictive. Mike George, in his book “Don't get mad, get wise” says that “anger is a self-created disturbance of your inner peace.” Most people think that it is the things that are happening and the people who are interacting with me that are causing my anger. If I do this, then I am giving the control of myself to those outside situations and people. Then I am powerless and just end up waiting for it all to disappear, change, or finish.

However, if I accept that it is self-created, then I am in the driving seat, I can change it. I have the right to change it. I am not changing the situation or person, I am changing my attitude, feelings, and emotions. I am changing my thoughts. If I understand and accept that my original pure state of being is complete peace, then agitation, irritation, frustration (all aspects of anger) are all disturbing that inner peace. Every time I feel a little disturbed about anything, it is in fact a seed of anger. That awareness is a small step towards returning to real peace.