Learning to respond instead of react to frustration and anger triggers is anger tool #3Â in our “tool kit” of anger control strategies. An important skill to use this tool is the skill of being grateful for things in your world and in your life. It is almost impossible to be angry and grateful at the same time. But, it is very challenging to be grateful when you look around and see only negatives in your life. You want to ask yourself: “what should I be grateful for exactly?”
Being able to answer that question for yourself is a major step toward anger control and increased happiness in your life. Following are some resources to help you do just that. We begin with a Budhist quote:
“A wise man, recognizing that the world is but an illusion, does not act as if it were real, so he escapes the suffering.”
– Buddha
We continue with a concept promoted by David Block, creator of the “Gratitude Balls” to be squeezed whenever you feel depressed, angry, or discouraged. We hand out these balls to participants of our local (Southern California) anger management classes. David recently organized The First Gratitude Tour of San Diego: Here is his you tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7NKhHGIlzM
Finally, we turn to the master, Deepak Chopra, who teaches you how to meditate in order to get in touch with gratitude which he believes is the quickest way to “get in touch with your soul.” His video can be seen also on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIXIwdhOmSM
Research backs up the claim that being grateful leads to increased happiness! Try it and see if it works for you!
Dr Tony
www.angercoach.com
www.angercoachonline.com
