Friday 12 July 2013

Just for today . . . do not anger

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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