Do Not Anger

For Today Only Do Not Anger.

The first in our precepts left to us by Sensei Usui. He formulated these as the secret of inviting happiness through many blessings and the spiritual medicine for all illness.

How does one invite or allow happiness to come into their lives? Is it a choice or does happiness just happen to you?

I would venture to say that happiness is a choice. Each day we can choose happiness or unhappiness, we can choose curses or we can choose blessings.

Our precepts begins with "just for today". Why does Sensei start off with "just for today" why not start with...It is important to...or... We should always...?

Perhaps it is because even he realized that all we have is NOW...or...Today. So why invite stress into our lives by worrying how we are going to behave tomorrow, the next day or next year. Today, Now is sufficient for it's own issues.

The only moment we can handle or affect is now. So, "Just for Today" or "For Today Only" is appropriate and enough within itself.

The very first precept or gokai (principle) is:

Do not anger

Anger is the first root of stress. Anger causes the body to release certain hormones that weakens the immune system. Anger can cause chest pains, digestive problems and headaches!

Anger can be a negative emotion that will distract us from seeing the whole picture. Anger will distract us from moving forward in our spiritual development.

Sometimes it is better to just let go. It is okay because the person does not see our point of view. Yes, let us just agree to disagree. Anger will never make the other person understand you.

Anger clouds our judgment.

Some people say that anger is useful. Anger is natural. But tell me, what does anger really solve?

Anger is different from being upset. You may be upset about something and that feeling can help you to think about solutions, it can be the impetus for change. Anger only leads to hatred and to fear.

Does anger invite happiness? Anger will block you from realizing your fullest potential.

For today only:

Do not anger

“When angry, count to four. When very angry, swear.”
– Mark Twain

I adore Mark Twain, he was a great writer, but my quote will be slightly different.

"When angry, count to five. When very angry, BREATHE."
Tamu Ngina

Namaste!
(the divine in me recognizes the divine in you!)


Image Source: Coloria.net