3. Learn to Identify Anger - In order to transform or eliminate anger we need to first be able to identify it. While sometimes our anger is self-evident, other times we don’t seem to recognize that we’re annoyed until the emotion of anger gets out of control and we start speaking or acting aggressively.
Begin your day by making a commitment to watching your mind closely and as frequently as you can during the day. When walking, working, or cooking, or doing anything notice if you are going over some hurt or incident in the mind, or dwelling on the faults of others. Remember that you have a choice. You can switch your mind to thinking about something more positive and creative. You can recall, for a few moments the problems of anger and the benefits of the practice of patience, kindness and forgiveness.
4. Conquer the Smaller Waves of Irritation to Build Confidence & Will Power - Work first with the smaller waves of irritation – perhaps notice how a remark from somebody, a tone of their voice, the manner in which somebody may be acting affects you. This can be the right place to start. An opportunity has come for you to rise above the habitual response of getting irritable and you have tips to now put into place. Ask yourself: Is it necessary for me to react in this way? What is a better way to look at this situation? Become aware of irritability before it develops into a stronger and more difficult to control form of anger. Make a firm resolve not to get angry. Train the mind to be a wonderful tool in creating oneness and unity.
5. Deflect the Agitation before it becomes Anger - When working with anger, it is imperative to begin to implement basic tips to deflect the anger. If you can begin to calm the mind and cool the body you are already soaring down the road of overcoming anger. The first tip is to remember we need to control the body first and then the speech. You can cool anger by drinking a cup of cold water or by taking a quick cold shower. This really works as it is known to cool the blood. Also try taking 10 deep breaths. Say some mantras such as Om Om Om or Om Shanti (Om Peace) or any prayer that helps to elevate the frequency of anger.
When getting into a heated debate with someone and you feel that there is too much fire, take a break. Stop the conversation by politely asking for some time out. If there is something to be discussed, going into flames won’t resolve it, so leave it for later. If possible, take a walk. This is not running away. You can come back to the negotiating table later when your mind is calm.
These five simple tips, when put to practice, will transform anger into love and disconnect into connection. Your body will begin to heal from the trauma anger induces. Your mind will be more peaceful. You will speak more sweetly and softly. Your relationships with others will improve.
What more can you ask for? Now be motivated today in overcoming on the most common and destructive emotions known - anger. You can do this! Now you can start on your path of freedom from anger today itself!