The first Reiki precept is “Just for today . . . do not
anger”. Although easy to recite, to put
into practice on a daily basis can be a challenge. However, it does get easier with time. I’m sure Usui didn’t mean for us to ignore or
swallow our anger but to acknowledge our angry emotions and deal with
them. So how do I work with this
precept?
I’ve mentioned before that I recite and meditate with these
precepts twice daily. This allows them
to become second nature. Therefore when
I do get angry, I acknowledge what has made me angry and take several large
deep breaths. This gives me 30 seconds
of valuable ‘clearing’ time. If I decide I need to outlet my anger physically I
have a punch bag in my garage. If I want
to verbalise my anger; I can go and talk to someone away from the situation or
even scream into a pillow. I have been
known to drawn or write my feelings on paper and then ceremoniously burn
them. Once I have dealt with my anger, I
then perform a ‘brushing off’ style ritual (more on dry brushing in future blog
posts) and do not dwell in my anger. I
have dealt with it and it’s now time to move on. Silently
repeating, “Just for today, do not anger,” like a mantra, over and over, distracting
your mind until the anger or annoyance fades can also help whilst practicing
self Reiki.
Just for today reminds
us to be mindful and in the present moment.
Anger tends to be an emotion based in the past. Holding
on to your anger for any length of time can be very counter-productive
health-wise. Negative emotions
set up a whole series of stressful chemical responses in the body and
generally hurts us more than the one at which it is directed. It is always a
good idea to remember that you always have the choice of whether to be angry or not.
How do you deal with your anger? Let me know in the comments below and thank
you for taking the time to read my blog.
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