Have you noticed how “stressed” people are today? Anger and frustrations seem to be on the rise. When people carry this anger in their persona, it acts like a virus. Others who are upset with minor things quickly become vulnerable to the anger virus. With egos in defense, the “anger virus” can become a communicable disease. In the role of observer, I have noticed that angry people are quick to lash out at others (mostly verbally, including a lot of sarcasm) when expectations are not met (remember: every anger episode is the result of unmet expectations). A closer examination often reveals that while people can be clueless, selfish, and possibly rude, rarely are they malicious. Translation: the reasons for your anger are often unjustified. Don’t take things personally.
Stress Tip for the Day
How often do you get angry per day? Estimates suggest the average person demonstrates some form of anger (from impatience and guilt to rage and hostility) 15-20 times per day. While the feelings of anger may be valid, often the reasons for loosing it are not. Take a moment to step outside yourself and ask WHY are you angry? Try to look at the situation from someone else’s perspective. Try to gather a bit more information. Most likely you will end up offering an apology, particularly when you realize the world doesn’t revolve around you. Finally, remember that while anger is a healthy emotion (it’s a survival emotion), holding it in isn’t healthy. Take a deep breath and let go of your anger. Don’t take things personally.
Links, Books and/or Movies Worth Noting:
One book I highly recommend for everyone’s personal library is Harriet Lerner’s, The Dance of Anger. Another book worth noting is Ruth King’s Healing Rage.
Quote for the Day:
“He who angers you, conquers you.”—Elizabeth Kenny
Photo For the Day
While walking the streets of Venice a few weeks ago, I observed a street vendor show frustration with the weather as she covered her artwork with plastic and ducked for cover to make a phone call. Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 12 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
