The Buddha, Twain, and You: Wisdom for Taming Your Temper
Anger. It's a complicated emotion. One of the hardest, I think, for many of us to understand or learn how to deal with appropriately. But as we navigate this complex terrain, we can find guidance from wise sages throughout history who have offered insights on how to navigate our anger and that of others.
Anger: Just an Emotion
Anger is simply an emotion. It's neither inherently good nor bad. We see it even in young children. They get angry, but that doesn't make them bad—or evil. It's just an emotion they're experiencing. The negative consequences arise when we express our anger inappropriately—verbally, physically, or in any other harmful way—or when we hold onto it for too long, causing us distress or illness.
The Consequences of Uncontrolled Anger
Uncontrolled anger is the opposite of what Aristotle advised. It's about reacting without thought or reflection. One of the most significant consequences of uncontrolled anger is damage to relationships. It's one thing to express anger towards a flaky and procrastinating co-worker, but it's quite another when it's directed at loved ones. Lashing out at a spouse or partner because of something they did can create........
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