Subdue anger, increase personal power

According to the Buddha, anger begins in the mind, so it must be eradicated from the mind. Anger is a dangerous emotion, as it rises, our judgment becomes clouded and creates bad behavior. Several years ago, a Buddhist monk shared with me these simple steps to subdue anger:

• As you feel anger arise, call immediate attention to it: “Aha, I feel anger rising!”

• Make like a piece of wood, don't move, just breath.

• Make a firm resolution to remain calm in the situation.

By becoming aware and acknowledging anger, we have immediately subdued it. Now, we have created an opportunity to make a better choice for ourselves and become an active participant in a solution. Be the change.