Untangling the Anger Knots.

I found myself in an uncustomarily angry mood this morning. I was enraged, actually – which is not generally my habit, save for those few short moments when life pushes me to the test.

My son was recently critically injured. A piece of steel entered his body just below the belt line – destroying all structure that dared to impede its path. Were it not for the actions of one brave ‘quick thinker’ – I’m certain the outcome would have been death.

That’s a lot to process for a sometimes over-protective ‘Mama Bear’, though – I raised him to embrace life without limits.

There’s a risk implied for those with courage. Likewise, there is immeasurable reward.

I was angriest with those who hadn’t yet stepped forward to offer a kindness in this space of uncertainty.

“You need to let it go,” someone said to me. I walked away feeling the tears welling up in my eyes.

And then I remembered the Buddha’s most fundamental teaching – that is, in order to experience happiness we must first free ourselves.

The practice encourages this path, and – these moments where our edges are further abraded? They are one of the greatest blessings of all.

Anger, in and of itself, is a bond – like a tightened knot it restricts our capacity to experience true freedom.

And though these feelings may be valid, of course – in the end we must choose whether to loosen that knot.

Though, to do so – we must be willing to approach with the heart of tender loving-kindness.

Whether the actions of another or our own tangled perceptions, we greet all with the energy of equanimity. As, these moments are intended to challenge our present understanding, and broaden the aperture by which we view this world.

And, knowing this, I can begin the work to truly know myself.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

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