Sep
Anger
Anger and Fear are two emotions that have a very physical component. Both trigger our survival responses and induce a rush of adrenaline. These emotions were originally for survival. Fear was defensive, and anger was offensive. These emotions are not limited to humans. Lesser mammals, birds and most reptiles can experience fear and rage.
Anger stayed with us as we evolved. Its role now goes beyond survival. Anger is a response to other, non-dangerous forms of provocation.
Problems arise when anger is given full reign. Anger can make a person behave recklessly. It can override all discipline and reason. This is why anger must be kept within reasonable limits. It is an emotional response, not a suitable way of life.
People who are perpetually angry tend toward turmoil. They find it and they create it. I remember an example of a fellow from many years ago. He came to be known as “Angry Joe.” When he first showed up, he presented himself as a man who had a run of bad luck. He said he was making a fresh start. People tried to help him. It was not long before his true nature came up. The man was a “hot head” who let his anger do his thinking for him. Sometimes he would explode in rage, and others he simmered. He became notorious for causing trouble for any who offended him. He was equally notable for his angry diatribes and sputtering tantrums. I think he regretted that, but his anger controlled his thinking.
Within three weeks of his arrival, the man had alienated all of the people who initially sought to help him. He soon moved on. I learned later that he did this often. The only difference was that it took less and less time before he made a place too hot for himself.
Anger is a weakness that can be exploited. A person with a penchant for rage is easily provoked into doing things which are bad for him.
Angry people are prone to take offense when none is given. The antidote is to develop a sense of peace and to thicken your skin. Learn to develop a sense of inner calm. That is one of the first steps to controlling and overcoming the ill effects of anger.
