When you are in a calm, meditative state of mind, you get angry less often
This is continued from the previous article on Tips to Reduce Anger
Below are a few more ways by which you can reduce anger.
Cleansing the mind of impressions
Breathe out Stress
Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful breathing technique that helps to release stresses accumulated in our body and in the mind as impressions. It purifies and harmonizes our entire system.
“Earlier my anger always used to be on the peak and my friends would avoid spending time with me. With regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya, my anger has really come down and now my friends share that they feel more comfortable with me,” shares Aditya Singh Taneja.
Unshakable Calmness
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation takes the help of a mantra to lead the meditator towards a deep experience. The mantra is very powerful and helps to clear the layers of our consciousness from the impressions that are stored in it. Regular practice of Sahaj Samadhi meditation brings tremendous clarity of perception and an unshakeable calmness.
Integrate Wisdom into Your Life
Nail Your Anger
Perhaps you heard the story of the boy who used to nail the fence every time he would get angry. You obviously do not need to do that but the moment you start getting angry, become aware of the emotion rising you. When you become aware, a shift happens in the mind and the anger drops. However, regular practice of meditation is required to give you the ability to witness your own mind and the rise and fall of emotions in it.
Good Work = Calm Mind
“Anger happens because of your love for perfection.” – Gurudev
This simply means that you get angry when something does not happen the way you wanted it to be. But most of the time when you get angry, you end up regretting or feeling bad later on, isn’t? This regret further creates agitation in the mind.
The key lies in accepting the situation. Know that it is ‘ok’ that you got angry. Just accepting yourself for getting angry will calm you down. A calm mind gives you the ability to think constructively and do the needful. Remember, good work always happens with a calm mind.
When the mind is joyful and contented, when you are in calm, meditative state of mind, you don’t get angry in the first place. Know that no mistake can be corrected with anger. Only with awareness can anything be corrected.
If you are getting angry too often, then:
- Watch your food. Make sure you eat
healthy vegetarian food that includes
grains, green vegetables, fruits
and salads. - Ensure that you rest for at least
6-8 hours a day. - Meditate daily! You could meditate
any time of the day. Meditating in a
quiet place will keep you
away from distractions and ensure that
you get a deeper experience.
You can also meditate with your
friends – meditating in a group has a
greater impact.
Show Anger rather than getting Angry
At times it may seem like getting angry is important to get things done. For instance, if you are a parent with a small child then you may need to be firm and show anger to your child sometimes. But know that showing anger is different from getting angry. When you show anger, you are only pretending to be angry but deep inside you are calm. With regular practice of meditation, you are able to show anger (where needed) instead of getting angry.
“Regular meditation has helped me to keep my mind calm in every situation. So, now even if the situation demands, I do not burn with anger, yet I am able to show anger, staying peaceful inside,” shares Deepti Sachdev.
Make Your Anger Expensive and Smile Cheap
Smile more often. You cannot get angry when you are busy smiling. Be proud of being a person who hardly gets angry and is ever-smiling.
Drop all Labels
You get angry at something that is happening in the present. Gurudev says, “Any emotion should persist for the same time as that of a line drawn on water.” The same goes for your anger. It comes and it will go. However, as you continue your spiritual practices, the frequency with which anger arises will drop noticeably. You will find that situations that disturbed you before do not even bother you anymore.
It is very important that we do not allow the anger in our mind to ferment and become hatred. This removes the joy and love in our life. Being happy is not a luxury, it is a necessity and the real key to happiness lies in our ability to connect with ourself through meditation.
Inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's wisdom talks
Written by Divya Sachdev. Based on inputs by Bharathy Harish, a meditation expert
