Anger: A Short Madness – Strategies for Overcoming it

 

Anger: A Short Madness – Strategies for Overcoming It

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By AHMED NOOR

Anger, often referred to as the most negative of human emotions, is often likened to trying to navigate a ship in a storm. This analogy highlights the turbulence and chaos that anger can introduce into one's life. Just as a storm can wreak havoc on a ship's course, anger can disrupt one's judgment and lead to destructive consequences. This notion aligns with the idea that people who succumb to rage often find themselves on a perilous course, rarely leading to positive outcomes. Anger blots out reason, notorious for clouding our judgment and blunting our ability to think rationally. Reacting in anger rarely results in productive resolutions; instead, it tends to escalate conflicts. Hurtful remarks spoken in the heat of the moment can leave emotional scars that may never fully heal. In the heat of anger, we are prone to irrational actions and words that we later regret. It has been aptly described as a "short madness" that can momentarily overpower our logical thinking.

Buddha's teachings compare holding onto anger to grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; in the end, it is the one holding the coal who gets burned. Recognizing the destructive nature of anger is the first step toward transcending it. A common piece of advice is to postpone today's anger until tomorrow. This wisdom suggests that anger seldom yields positive results and is often better left for another time. Postponing anger allows one to cool off and approach the situation with a calmer perspective.

In the realm of spirituality, anger is often seen as the antithesis of empathy. Instead of venting anger onto those around us, spiritual teachings advocate for fostering empathy and compassion. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can lead to more harmonious relationships and conflict resolution.

Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help calm the physiological responses that accompany anger. These practices enable individuals to regain control over their emotions and respond more mindfully to challenging situations.

Some of the most profound insights on anger come from spiritual leaders and philosophers. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, suggests that when anger arises, one should turn their focus to their breath. This mindfulness practice helps individuals detach from their anger and regain emotional equilibrium.

 Silence is revered as the best response to anger. Responding with silence allows individuals to avoid escalating conflicts and, instead, creates space for reflection and understanding. Zen Master Dogen said ‘If you can keep your mouth as silent as your nose, you will avoid a lots of trouble’. Ali Ibn Abu Talib said ‘A moment of Patience in a moment of Anger saves a thousand moments of Regret.

Mob psychology

 Mob psychology

By Ahmed Noor

Amidst various incidents of violence, murder, and rape in different parts of the country, a pertinent question arises - is there a psychology governing mobs? The recent events in Manipur, where two women were brutally attacked, raped, and their family members subjected to unwarranted violence, shed light on the grave consequences of mob behavior. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as mobs around the world commit inhumane acts driven by extreme emotions and herd mentality. To understand the psychology of mobs, we must explore the impact of group dynamics and individual actions.

Animals live in herds or packs, and their behaviors are often influenced by instinct rather than thoughtful consideration. Similarly, when individuals form a mob, their rationality can diminish, and their actions become more impulsive and aggressive. The mob mentality subdues individuality, prompting people to mimic one another, leading to actions they may not otherwise engage in. The sense of belonging in a group can overshadow individual responsibility, resulting in careless and harmful behaviors. It is said mob has many heads but no brains. In the mob the individual does not think his own, instead he makes copy others.

In some cases, mob mentality is fueled by ideological or religious fanaticism, making it particularly dangerous. In such situations, the mob idolizes their beliefs and becomes even more zealous and aggressive. The philosopher Diogenes once said that the mob is the mother of tyrants, suggesting that within the chaos of a mob, the shadow of animalistic instincts is cast upon human nature. Religious, political, or social ideologies can incite mob actions, rendering them ruthless and uncontrollable.

At times, individuals within a mob showcase heightened capabilities - their agility increases, and they gain a sense of invincibility. This can lead to a dehumanized approach similar to that of superheroes. This aggressive mindset can manifest as violent acts, harassment, humiliation, and the horrifying examples of lynching we have witnessed, wherein no remorse is shown either as an individual or as a part of the mob.

Recognizing the power of human ethics and positive values is crucial in combating mob mentality. Throughout history, nonviolent uprisings have brought about significant positive changes in society. These bloodless revolutions have proven that collective empathy, compassion, and a quest for justice can shape a better future. By demonstrating empathy, compassion, and justice-driven guidance, we can build the strength to enact constructive collective actions.

In conclusion, understanding the psychology of mobs and promoting empathy and positive values is essential to prevent mob violence. History has shown that nonviolent revolutions are capable of creating meaningful change in society. By embracing the power of compassion and justice, we can strive for a world where mob violence becomes a relic of the past.