Anger

Anger is actually considered neutral (even Jesus flipped tables). But when you feel uncontrollable anger, rage or hatred, it becomes the sin of wrath. “Wrath” really messes up the mnemonic device, though. PWGGLES? Not helpful.

The wrathful will be enraged to learn that their punishment is to be dismembered “alive” (you’ll be in hell, so technically dead…The point is, you’ll feel it).

Wisdom About Anger

Never go to bed angry. Stay up and fight.
PHYLLIS DILLER

Whate'ers begun in anger ends in shame.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
PROVERBS 29:11

At the moment you become angry, you tend to believe that your misery has been created by another person. You blame him or her for all your suffering. But by looking deeply, you may realize that the seed of anger in you is the main cause of your suffering. Many other people, confronted with the same situation, would not get angry like you. They hear the same words, they see the same situation, and yet they are able to stay calm and not be carried away. Why do you get angry so easily? You may get angry very easily because your seed of anger is too strong. And because you have not practiced the methods for taking good care of your anger, the seed of anger has been watered too often in the past.
THICH NHAT HANH

Anger is never without a Reason, but seldom with a good One.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

All angry persons are to be treated, by the prudent, as children.
SAMUEL RICHARDSON

When angry, count four; when very angry, swear.
MARK TWAIN

Anger ... it's a paralyzing emotion ... you can't get anything done. People sort of think it's an interesting, passionate, and igniting feeling -- I don't think it's any of that -- it's helpless ... it's absence of control -- and I need all of my skills, all of the control, all of my powers ... and anger doesn't provide any of that -- I have no use for it whatsoever.
TONI MORRISON

Virtual Antidote: Patience

Ways to Practice Patience

  • Take a break by moving and shifting focus.
  • Consider the circumstances or feelings you would have in order to behave in this way in order to gain empathy for what you are frustrated with.
  • See the Big Picture.
  • Practice presence and enjoy the moment.
  • Describe in your mind the tiny steps that you are taking in detail to slow down your experience in the moment.