Why are You so Mad? Pt. 3

In the past few days, we have seen that getting angry is a common human reaction. We have considered the root of the problem, the reason behind anger that triggers this emotion. Today, we are going to reflect on the second question we should ask ourselves when considering if our anger is something the Spirit has manifested. What has resulted from our anger? Hurt or help?  

When anger is the result of the Spirit’s purposes being challenged, the result of it will be to help. When William Wilberforce saw how slaves were being treated, his anger resulted in the abolishment of the slave trade in the United Kingdom. Jesus got angry when He saw that the Pharisees lacked compassion for someone in need. His anger resulted in a leper being healed. When the Spirit’s intent (purpose) is being challenged, we see the reestablishment of the Spirit’s original purpose, in help for those in need.

On the contrary, when anger is the result of our preferences or the expression of hurt and pain, we will end up making matters worse. Either our health or our relationships will get hurt. Long-term anger has been linked to: high blood pressure, heart conditions, skin disorders, and digestive problems. 

Behind the reason (why) and the result (what) of our anger, there is always a who (the recipient of our fury), and most of the time they are disconnected. For example, you are mad at your boss, and your kids get unjustly reprimanded when you arrive home. When we do not address the root of the problem and deal with it as soon as possible, it results in two issues instead of just one. One problem because of the wrong why (the cause), and another problem with the who (the recipient of our anger, our health or our relationships). 

We must pay attention to the fruit of our anger. If it does not result in us helping others, then we must address it “before the sun goes down.” The Spirit is more than willing to forgive us and purify us from all anger, yet, only if the recapitulation is completed to cleanse the tonal and drain all energy out of anger, thus transforming anger into controlled folly.

 Thought of the Day: When I get angry, I need to ask myself, “What is the result of my anger? Hurt or help?” Then, take the results of your anger and recapitulate them! 

Warrior of Lite

Why are You so Mad? Pt. 2

Considering the matter of anger, we could certainly conclude that anger is a secondary emotion; it is the result of another feeling. Anger is at the surface, but the emotion that triggers it is the root of the problem. 

That is the answer to your why. 

It is precisely this which makes the difference between legitimate anger (non-personal) and illegitimate anger (personal). The question that we should ask ourselves is the following: “why am I angry?” Is it because of my preferences or is it because of the Spirit's purposes? There is a vast difference between the two. 

When you get angry because your desires are not met, the reason behind your why is your preferences. It's personal. There is something that you want, but that you are not getting. This can be: respect, love, the fastest lane in the highway, a parking space, the best table at a restaurant, and so on.  Your selfishness is being confronted, and you want to “fight back.” You feel that you “deserve” something that you are not getting. We get frustrated because of unmet expectations. 

The second reason behind your why is utterly different. You get angry because the Spirit’s purposes are challenged. It seems to be something the great Spirit manifested out of nowhere. Something we don't understand takes place, and that makes us angry. Some people call this ‘Spirit anger,’ or ‘civilization anger,' or just 'anger at society' or 'anger at the situation or world.' 

 

Spirit anger can be related to when one confronts racism or sexism. Or, there was a mass lay-off at your company and you were a part of it, although you do a great job. It’s an anger that you can’t take personally and you don't understand, yet it angers you. It’s a big picture anger. Why was there slavery? Why are companies allowed to advertise (obviously) un-healthy products such as cigarettes and soda? Why did the little girl next door develop cancer? Perhaps we can label these, ‘legitimate anger expressions,’ and the reason behind them. 

The question we should all ask when anger arises is, why am I angry? The answer will allow us to realize its legitimacy. Then, once this has happened, both forms of anger can be eliminated by the recapitulation and one day, all forms of anger are just controlled folly.

 

Thought of the Day - When I get angry, I need to ask myself, “Why am I angry? Is it because of my preferences or societies purposes being challenged?” 

Warrior of Lite