Have you ever wondered at the source of that gnawing in your gut?
How often do you find your emotions tied in knots of frustration?
In what circumstances do you find your thoughts clouded with uncertainty?
At what points are you aware of an almost unbearable tightness in your chest or shoulders or back?
When do you most often find your blood pressure elevated or your head pounding or your eyes seeming to bulge out of their sockets?
Do any of these experiences sound familiar? I thought so. These are signs that we might have become victim to “The Slow Poison!” Now before you go jumping to conclusions or cleaning out your medicine cabinet, hear me out!
The Slow Poison is not something found in our food or added to our water supply. It is not something we breathe in or absorb through our skin. It is nothing that can be administered to us by another! No, The Slow Poison is something we give to ourselves . . . sometimes multiple times per day! In fact, there are those of us who are so consumed by The Slow Poison that it colors everything we do, everything we say, all of our thoughts and every one of our relationships! What is this Slow Poison? In one word . . . ANGER!
Now before you go challenging this assertion, take a deeeeep breath and relaaaaxxxx.
Anger in and of itself is NOT poisonous! Anger can be an extremely useful emotion! Anger often serves as the catalyst for positive change. Anger frequently opens the door for meaningful discussion. Anger routinely alerts us to situations that need our attention. Anger, properly acknowledged and expressed, can be one of the most powerfully positive emotions we experience.
As with every good and positive experience there is always a flip side – a dark counterpart that can take over if we are not careful. The Hopi people understood this dark side of anger. They have a proverb that verifies this understanding and it goes like this: “Do not allow anger to poison you.”
Read it slowly . . . now read it again! “Do not allow anger to poison you!” Notice that it does not vilify anger. It does not say to never be angry. It does not indicate that anger should be avoided. It simply warns us of the danger inherent in allowing anger to poison us.
The Bible’s take on this concept is very similar to that of the Hopi when it says, “In your anger, do not sin!”
There you have it! Anger is not the enemy! What we choose to DO with the anger is the problem! Anger, improperly acknowledged and/or expressed creates a poison that permeates every aspect of our lives. Anger, improperly acknowledged and/or expressed infiltrates and infects the very core of our being. Anger, improperly acknowledged and/or expressed kills – plain and simple.
What are we to do with this Slow Poison? Perhaps the following can provide a bit of direction:
- Simply acknowledge that you are angry.
- Seek to find the source of that anger.
- Find a safe and constructive way to disperse the energy of that anger (count to ten; take five deep breaths; hit a pillow; remove yourself from the situation; take a brisk walk).
- Once the energy of your anger is dispersed, work to determine what actions are most appropriate to the situation. Appropriate actions will vary depending on the source of the anger.
- Create a plan of action that addresses the issue and follow through – talk to the person with whom you are angry; write a letter; make a phone call.
- Commit to yourself that you will work to implement the first five steps in this process the next time you find yourself dealing with anger.
Holding anger in. Pretending it does not exist. Calling it something other than what it is. Lashing out thoughtlessly and aimlessly. All of these are indicators that anger might be poisoning you.
I am hopeful that you will join me as I work to eliminate The Slow Poison from life.
Peace my friends!
