ANGER THOUGHT DEMON: MASTERING THE PUPPET MASTER OF FURY

Love University with Dr. Alexander Avila

Have you ever lost your temper and said and did things you later regretted? If so, you were likely under the influence of the Anger Thought Demon—excessive and blown out of proportion anger thoughts that needlessly cause damage to yourself and others. On our Love University podcast, we learned powerful tools for mastering the Anger Thought Demon and maintaining a mind of peace, calm, and love. Here’s what we learned:

*Analyze your anger triggers. In a notebook or pad jot down the things, people, and situations that trigger your anger (e.g. traffic jams, mechanical failures, rude people). As you become aware of the things that make you mad, you will take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the Anger Thought Demon.

*Give yourself a space between frustration and reaction. Take a time out when you feel yourself boiling over with extreme anger (perhaps an argument with a loved one). Take a walk, exercise, listen to music. Don’t react or add to the Anger Thought Demon at the moment it rears its ugly head; simply let the anger go through you until it is no longer in control. Then, come back and pick up the activity or conversation from a more relaxed mindset.

*Learn the Reverse Lesson. Observe angry people and do the opposite of what they do (maintain peace). Study those who are under the fiery influence of the Anger Thought Demon. See how their fists clench, their faces turn ugly red, and their voices become shrill or screaming. Take notice of how they harm relationships and career/business opportunities through rageful reactions. Realize how much they suffer from their out of control anger and resolve that you will be different. You will be a calm, peaceful, and loving person who is in command of your mind at all times.

Although some anger can be useful to right wrongs and correct injustices, the Anger Thought Demon is a harmful exaggeration of your feelings of hurt and disrespect that can lead to self-harming actions. It’s true that many people in our society suffer from the Anger Thought Demon. The good news is that you can live peacefully in an angry world. All it takes is an awareness of the Anger Thought Demon and a desire to take the necessary steps to separate yourself from its fiery, destructive influence. Imagine a life of peace, love, and contentment. This can be your life when you eradicate the Anger Thought Demon from your mind—once and for all.