I hope you are all safe and well and keeping optimistic which is very challenging isn’t it? I recently pondered on Anger, does this horrendous situation we find ourselves create anger within, do we want to lay blame on the Government and the powers that be, for the dreadful and painful way our lives have developed? Or do we accept that the virus is here and get on with it in whatever way we can, no blame, no anger, just being grateful we are living and breathing? Of course there are many people who don’t have the privilege of life, who have fallen victim to this wretched disease. However, there are also many people who have terminal illnesses which has no connection to the virus, these people and their loved ones also need support, so many throughout the universe are failed.
The homeless on the streets without hope or a warm place to sleep, war veterans without homes or livelihoods, failed by their so called regiments. Do they feel anger and resentment for their situation? I’m sure they do, and I’m sure they say ‘why me’? We are so judgmental without really knowing the real facts, walking by them in case we catch something, Instead of talking to them, respecting them for who they are, human beings just like us, but down on their luck. A few moments is all that’s needed, on their level, yes sometimes we would get abuse, sometimes it would feel violent, but reacting without anger will calm the situation. They must think that we have no idea what it’s like to have no home, no money, probably addictions and mental health issues, and probably we don’t know. But that doesn’t stop us supporting them does it? Just spending a few moments listening is essential, perhaps then we may be able to rescue their respect and integrity.
This quote says it all:
Many thanks for your words Jenny. The monk story is great, and thought provoking. I love that Zen imagery!
Jenny, this reminded me so clearly of Paul’s example of his car!
One can be angry at anything one chooses but it doesn’t alter it’s existence, exactly as your quote says.
Depression is often described as anger turned inwards, both are toxic to our souls.
In much the same way that it is not possible to make someone else happy, but only to share your contentment and for the other person to take pleasure in that, anger and depression seep out into ones surroundings. It is easy to say avoid negative people, places and situations (and bizarrely that is somewhat easier in our restricted times) but the challenge lays in meeting them and leaving them better than when we found them. The briefest moment can sometimes achieve that.
The precepts offer the foundation for this; removing anger and worry from your own day-to-day experiences, making that commitment to find and honour your own way and being, feeling gratitude and having that awareness of what is good in your life maybe at a deeper level than the material, having self compassion and sharing compassion with others.
It is an interesting experiment to record yourself for a day either literally or with mental notes and to see how self critical you are, how many times you tut or grumble about the most mundane thing. Even the words we use. For instance I no longer have household chores instead I have ways of showing love and gratitude for my home and the security it provides. Piles of washing and ironing are opportunities to be thankful for being clean, warm and dry, etc.
Because I now recognise these Differences I am a kinder person to myself and to those I meet, it ripples onwards as I travel towards being my own bright light in small ways I can illuminate the path for others, lend a hand, offer a respite.
Without doubt the work of recovery belongs to the individual but that doesn’t mean that person can’t be helped with the heavy lifting when the time is right for them to start.
Thank you for the thoughtfulness of your blogs, considering them always brings some extra reinforcement to me and my journey. X
What a lovely quote, Jenny, and thoughts to ponder on. Xx
Thankyou Jenny for this blog. This has come at a good time as reading this and the quote I realise that I have been feeling anger rise in me for various reasons and feeling depleted because of this.
To acknowledge anger comes from within and actually not caused by other people has made me aware that I have so much work to do on myself.
To be a light and shine from within is fulfilling ourselves and to do this needs commitment . Thankyou again Jenny, I give my intention to this and will give myself time to meditate and remember the quote. ?? Xxx