The Only Thing I Would Want To Add Is That Even As We Know Anger As A Negative And Generally Harmful

The only thing I would want to add is that even as we know anger as a negative and generally harmful emotion, you still must recognize and accept that you are experiencing it. Trying to deny that reality, whether to others or to yourself, can be very harmful as well. As with my thoughts on sorrow and loss, once you accept the emotions you are feeling, you can then observe what triggered them and let them pass by. What has made you angry? Is it something external, or did that simply set off something pent up within? See the truth of your feelings and your ability to control and check your ego will improve drastically.

Controlling Anger

Controlling anger is no different than control of any other harmful emotion.  First and foremost, our anger subsides naturally as we progress spiritually. It becomes very difficult to react with anger when we live our lives with compassion and kindness. 

Second, what is anger and where does it come from? Anger is a natural defensive response when we feel threatened or frustrated and our ego senses danger. When we become angry several physical things happen to us. We release adrenalin.  Our breathing and heart rate increases so our muscles are prepared for conflict.  We sometimes get the urge to void our bowels or bladder to better prepare for internal injury. 

You see, anger is a very primitive emotion it’s purpose is not to help you win an argument with your Mom but to fight a predator.  So, for this reason, anger is often a very poor response in a non lethal setting.  Anger shuts down the reasoning part of our minds and sends us into an action mode.  I guess the body figures that the time for talk and reason has passed.

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Before committing a great deal of time, money, or energy to solving a problem, it is wise to look for the true problem you are trying to solve. We must always seek to look past illusions, after all.

Heh.

So, yes, for the fucking love of God, movies matter. TV shows matter. Novels matter. They shape the lens through which you see the world. The very fact that you don’t think they matter, that even right now you’re still resisting the idea, is what makes all of this so dangerous to you — you watch movies so you can turn off your brain and let your guard down. But while your guard is down, you’re letting them jack directly into that part of your brain that creates your mythology. If you think about it, it’s an awesome responsibility on the part of the storyteller. And you’re comfortable handing that responsibility over to Michael Bay.

5 Ways You Don’t Realize Movies Are Controlling Your Brain (via quantumstarlight)

If you can recognize and minimize the effect of your personal social lens, you have taken the first step in seeing things as they are, instead of how the world around you has led you to perceive them to be. I'm confirming the article's message by using this quote, but I believe Miyazaki has gone a long way in using media's influence as a force for good, and has been a major contributing factor in shaping the way I view the world. When the Lady Eboshi asks why the Prince has come to Iron Town, Ashitaka responds simply, "To see with eyes unclouded by hate."

The journey of a thousand miles, single step, you all should know that one by now.

Debate Bait, Entry 001

"The man who stands on the hilltop with his mouth open will wait a long time before a roast duck drops in." -Confucius

While I've always questioned the authenticity of this quote so often attributed to China's famous philosopher (and often in broken English for some reason), I've always wanted to question the man himself about it.

Why are you waiting for a roast duck? Why not just enjoy the hilltop?

Sometimes you find your Path early in life, and sometimes it finds you.