HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGER AND ENEMIES

In their ongoing dialogues, THEOPHILE THE ELDER and THEO THE YOUNGER continue to explore aspects of human behavior and self-development. Here they discuss some strategies for dealing with enemies, injustice, and managing anger.

That morning, Theo was very agitated. He had hardly sat facing his friend when he started sharing his problem.

Theo: I have been developing intense anger all these years, due to a neighbor who harmed my family and me. I hate him and I can’t help it.

Theophile the Elder looked at him, quite amazed.

Theo: Yes, I know. But it’s all about his wicked, twisted, and unfair behavior. I feel as if he were a piece of chewing gum stuck on the sole of my shoe. I can’t get rid of it. As soon as I see the man, or even when I think of him, my anger is back.

Elder: You are going to make yourself sick!

Theo: I’m already sick. My stomach hurts, there are moments when I feel oppressed, and I often have a headache.

Elder: According to Chinese Medicine, the Liver Fire is what gives you such symptoms. They are caused by anger and resentment. Let’s explore it further. In your case, what happened?

The old man needed more information.

Theo: I went to court to assess my rights.

Elder: And did you win the legal fight against your adversary?

Theo: Legally it was a win, but he did not pay enough for my liking, considering all the harm he had done to me.

Elder: So, the fight is still on. Your neighbor has succeeded in crossing your barriers and he is now partly occupying your inner space. You may also be in his mind since you won the case against him. He probably hates you. Your anger is what provides access to his anger. Through your mental and emotional attitudes, you have opened a way for him to penetrate within you. So now he can overrun you, reach your heart and plague your life.