The great Buddha said: “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”

Anger deteriorates the self and destroys the soul. It may happen gradually, over the course of a lifetime, but the effects are permanent and damaging as ever.

There is no use in being angry. Yes, perhaps some use their anger as fuel for their uphill climb, and others use it as a shield to protect themselves from potential heartbreak. Perhaps it is the remaining link to an unknown past life, or an indication of injustices endured in the current. Perhaps anger can be justified, even excused, but that does not make it quite OK.

While I do believe that experiencing the wide range of human emotion is healthy, and inherently very human, I think that anger is one that should be approached with caution and managed carefully. If exercised in excess and allowed to thrive, this inner rage can very quickly control you and your life. Your health suffers. Your spirit suffers. Your relationships suffer. Your career suffers. To what end?

“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind,” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Like everything, anger holds an energy… a very powerful one. Have you ever looked someone in the eye and, upon witnessing their anger, felt goosebumps rise on the back of your neck? Or, while angry, have you ever broken something accidentally and told yourself later: “I could have sworn I didn’t even touch it”? Have you ever stormed off in a rage, gotten into your car and suddenly ended up in an accident? Have you seen someone complaining angrily, only to find all the people around them turning a deaf ear?

Anger holds a powerful energy that can destroy your self, your relationships, your spirit, and your life.

It does not command respect. In fact, angry “leaders” tend to earn a fair share of eye rolls. Nobody respects a leader who can’t keep his/her cool. They may be spineless and fear them, but this isn’t the same as respect. This is because we inherently see anger as a lack of control – a weakness.

It does not inspire love. In fact, even the most gentle of souls have been turned by their partner’s anger, dashing off into the wilderness with someone else or lashing back in a profoundly unsettling manner. Anger is fuel to the fire that burns the bridge to home.

It does not inspire friendship. Nobody wants to be around a hot head. They’re not exactly fun to be around.

It does not get things done. It sets everyone on edge and infuses the air with a negative charge that people are conditioned to escape or reject.

So… why are you angry?

Anger is like an anchor attached to both feet, and you are quickly running out of air.

Free yourself. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

And remember… we design our own luck!

M.