By Somali K Chakrabarti

Anger is that powerful internal force that blows out the light of reason. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Anger, we know, is a powerful emotion that is difficult to repress and finds expression in the most destructive ways.

At some point or the other in your life, you would have witnessed rampant incidences of violence on the street, in the neighborhood, at office, or maybe even at home. There could be occasions when you would have reverted to aggressive behavior, wanting to teach someone a lesson, or to show that who is the boss.

All such incidents are a direct consequence of our unbridled expression of anger in a destructive manner.

However, when channelized in a constructive manner, anger can produce incredible results. Many mass movements, freedom struggles, civil rights movements etc. were founded on anger against injustice.

Here are some quotes that urge us not to be destructive in the expression of our anger.

Anyone can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person at the right time, and for the right purpose and in the right way – that is not within everyone’s power and that is not easy. ~ Aristotle

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. – Mark Twain

Do not let your anger lead to hatred, as you will hurt yourself more than you would the other. ~ Stephen Richards

Similar sentiments were echoed by Buddha centuries ago

Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.~Buddha

You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger. ~ Buddha

Since anger is an emotion, getting rid of anger is never an easy task, dealing with it constructively is manageable though.

Anger, when vented out in the form of aggressive, critical or vengeful behavior, sarcastic remarks, withdrawing communication or withholding something are destructive expressions of anger. Constructive expression of anger, on the other hand, involves working towards solving a problem, instead of just venting out your frustration.

Channelizing the energy into doing something constructive can help in converting anger into a positive force.

The greatest remedy for anger is delay. ~ Thomas Paine

Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it…Don’t allow his anger to become your anger. ~ Bohdi Sanders

It is wise to direct your anger toward problems; not people. To focus your energies on answers; not excuses. ~William Arthur Ward

Anger kills logical thinking and logical thinking kills anger….the choice is yours. ~ Ketan r Shah

Lastly,

A moment of patience ina moment of anger prevents a thousand moments of regret. ~ Chinese proverb

Images by : Ratna Banerjee

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