by Dossie M Terrell

Created on: June 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 14, 2012

If you are like most folks, you are probably wondering, why is there so much pain and anger in the world today? Can it be folks are experiencing much of the pain because of a tendency to hear what they want to hear and not necessarily what is being said? Often when a message does not coincide with what they perceive the truth, they become angry. They allow their emotions to rule to the point they become tunnel in their thinking, which renders them incapable of hearing any opposing view. The anger may also result from unresolved pain and suffering in their lives.

There are many ways to eliminate, control or alleviate anger, but the main way is to engage in rational discourse with everyone you encounter. To do this requires honesty as well as the intelligence to seek commonalities. When there is rational conversation, all involved ferret out the truth. They do not act or speak precipitously. In the end they have a process that provides remedy, especially in group situations, in the event the results of their discussions create a need for compromise.  Nothing can be accomplished if anger is allowed to fester and if there is no recourse for resolution, the anger will eventually become toxic and affect all encounters and associations.

It is important to learn to listen constructively and to put in place your own mental and visual filters.  Set aside preconceived notions or bits and pieces of information gleaned over time, especially if you are listening to opposing views. The mind should be cleared of all the self-serving information floating around and should be taught to focus like a laser on the speaker. Learn to evaluate information from all sources. If you do not understand what you hear, ask questions. Do not form conclusions based on what you thought you heard and go away angry and disillusioned. If you make erroneous conclusions, it is likely you will poison the minds of others as you pass on the misinformation and they, too, may become angry.

It is important to be honest with yourself as well as with with others. Do not create your own truths to satisfy your own selfish ends. Shakespeare said it best, “To thine own self be true.”  This saying is as appropriate today as it was centuries ago. If you are true

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