Anger is one of the most potent and corrupting emotions. It has the ability to deeply affect our holistic functioning — our mind, body, and spirit
On a cool, calm morning, I was driving peacefully until the incessant honking of horns intruded upon my tranquility. Initially, I tried to ignore it, but as the noise persisted, it began to unsettle me. Before long, my serenity was disrupted, and I found myself braking sharply. In that moment, I compromised my senses and my peace.
In contrast, had I shifted my focus to the music playing in my car and allowed myself to let go of the irritation, my experience would have been different. By choosing to concentrate on something positive, I could have maintained control over my emotions and preserved my peace of mind. This shift in focus illustrates how our unconscious consent to allow our emotions to affect us can either corrupt or preserve our sense of well-being.
Anger is one of the most potent and corrupting emotions. It has the ability to deeply affect our holistic functioning — our mind, body, and spirit. This emotion often arises from various triggers and can develop over time if left unattended. Although the onset of anger might seem sudden, it is rarely a binary phenomenon; there are numerous nuances involved.
Broadly speaking, anger can arise from various primary causes. Personal loss or a feeling of being shortchanged often triggers it, as does a perceived lack of control. Sometimes, anger stems from a disconnect from reality or denial, while inflexibility and a lack of acceptance can also contribute. Expectations and issues of reciprocity, along with a sense of entitlement, play a role as well. Fear or insecurity, ingratitude, and a distorted view of needs further fuel anger. Additionally, ego and genetic predispositions can influence how and why we experience this powerful emotion.Interestingly, anger is frequently a byproduct of fear, uncertainty, and a desire for control—elements perceived by our mind as obstacles to fulfilling our desires. Most instances of anger arise from inappropriate attitudes and a lack of acceptance.
The neurological response to anger lasts only a few seconds. However, the real issue lies in holding on to this anger, which disrupts the natural flow of the universe and corrupts our sensory and cognitive faculties. This prolonged anger can distort our self-perception and the way we view situations, ultimately making us vulnerable.
The progression of anger can be described in four stages:
Uttama: The initial feeling experienced in moments.
Madhayama: When the feeling is held onto and becomes an emotion, lasting minutes.
Adhama: When this emotion develops into a condition, persisting for hours.
Papi: The condition can evolve into what medical science terms as “Intermittent Explosive Disorder,” resulting in long-term psychological distortions requiring intervention.
Repeated episodes of anger alter the brain’s cell structure, leading to irreversible changes. This transformation begins with thoughts, actions, and attitudes and eventually creates a new, distorted version of oneself. The real “you” is inherently compassionate, kind, and accepting, but anger veils this true nature.
The Bhagavad Gita succinctly captures this process: desire and attachment lead to anger, which clouds judgment, impairs discernment, and disrupts thought processes. Similarly, the Mahabharata’s “Yaksha Prashna” highlights anger as an invincible enemy and emphasizes the importance of renouncing greed, anger, and falsehood to attain peace.
Anger can have cascading effects across various aspects of life, akin to the “Chaos Theory” or “Butterfly Effect,” where small disturbances can lead to significant, uncontrollable outcomes. This demonstrates the critical need to manage rather than control emotions.
Managing anger effectively involves embracing a flexible approach to life. This means letting go of rigid control and recognizing the limits of what you can and cannot control. Trusting that things happen for a reason and responding with gratitude can help maintain a positive perspective. It’s important to recognize that you are shaped by your actions, thoughts, and the company you keep, and to observe your anger without becoming entangled in it. Embracing the universe’s inherent imperfections and understanding that everyone is unique helps avoid setting unrealistic standards for others. Cultivating respect and dignity for yourself first, then extending these qualities to others, is crucial. Being mindful, choosing your battles wisely, and focusing on what is pleasant and fulfilling can lead to better emotional management. Additionally, keeping expectations realistic and focusing on self-improvement rather than trying to correct the world are key to managing anger effectively.
Anger, as a natural emotion, has both constructive and destructive potential. When managed effectively, it can be a source of creativity and energy. However, when it controls us, it becomes a force of destruction, undermining our inner peace and well-being.
— The writer is a versatile professional, he excels in several roles including Mentor Life Coach, Corporate Coach, and Spiritual Intelligence Coach. He also specializes in CXO coaching, spiritual counseling, and motivational speaking. He holds certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is a graduate of Dale Carnegie’s T3 program
