I have a pair of teenage boys that live below my little apartment. Two of their hobbies include extremely loud music and bouncing a basketball off the roof of my car. I have tried many tactics to address the situation, ranging from polite requests to calling the cops. Nothing seems to work. I have resigned to the fact that this is a lesson I need to somehow learn; a practice in patience perhaps.
Nevertheless, I can have an amazing meditation/prayer session, be the most serene person on the planet, and as soon as I hear one little bump from downstairs, a spark of anger will rise up and change my vibrations.
You may just dismiss your frequent angry moments as a part of your personality. Maybe your current situation provides lots of frustration or stress and that is why you are often upset.
I’d like to stop and take a deeper look. There may be more going on than you think.
This week I am working with the basics. Psychologists call it the first level in Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. Metaphysics call it the root chakra. Christians call it simple faith. It comes down to this:
The beginning of all happiness is the belief that one is safe.
I am safe and secure and out of harm’s way.
I believe that all anger is rooted in fear, and most fear comes
from a basic need to feel safe.
Is there a particular person or situation that makes you angry?
No one can have control over your emotions unless you allow them to do so. So, why is that particular situation triggering your anger? Is it because, deep down, you are afraid that something bad is going to happen? Is someone going to take advantage of you? Do you fear a loss of control? Are you waiting for the other shoe to drop? Perhaps the power does not lie with that person or circumstance.
The power lies within you to forgive, and let it go. Rest in the knowledge that you are safe. Everything else will work out the way it should. Easier said than done, I know. Try this. Every time you feel yourself getting angry, stop and acknowledge what is happening. “Yes, I feel angry.” Take a deep breath and try to look at the situation from a different point of view. Ask yourself “what are you afraid of?” or “Should this person/situation be allowed to steal my peace?”
Those two boys downstairs are just boys. They have lots of learning to do. They are where they are supposed to be on their path. God will take care of their needs. In fact, quite often, they offer me another opportunity to learn and grow. I have no reason to be afraid. I am safe. I don’t need to have control over every situation, because my higher power is in charge. I am also exactly where I need to be. Anger and frustration really can be a door to understanding.
Dear God,
Help me today to release every negative thought and emotion .
Help me to love each one I meet the way that you love me.
Remind me that I am safe and protected in your Love.
If you are for me, who can be against me?
I step into today armed with compassion. I have no room in my heart for anger, envy, or resentment.
I will not fear, because you are with me.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” I John 4:18
Thank you for being with me right here, where I am on this journey.
Each day I grow stronger and wiser, with your help.
Amen
Amazing Journey 